Town of Lancaster Annual Town Report
ANNUAL REPORT OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES 2014
IN MEMORIAM
Nancy D. Moran
July 8, 1932 – January 21, 2014
Police Dispatcher 1971 – 1983
Helen M. MacBrayne
January 20, 1926 – January 31, 2014
Election Worker 1964 - 2005
George E. Robinson, Sr
September 8, 1929 – March 4, 2014
Measurer of Wood and Bark 1971 - 2000
Dump Master 1975
Thayer Field Commission 1978 – 1984
Veterans Memorial Committee 1984
Water Commissioner
Delwin R. Braman
April 21, 1929 – March 7, 2014
Atlantic Union College Maintenance Department
Lancaster Little League
Arthur a. joseph
January 11, 1926 – May 24, 2014
Council on aging office, and meals on wheels 2012-2014
Kenneth S. Garber
May 18, 1925 -July 2, 2014
Lancaster Cemetery Commission – 1971 - 1982
Republican Town Committee – 1960
Mr. Garber served the Fire/Civil Defense Department in various capacities from 1959-1995 including rescue squad, Civil defense diver,
Ambulance worker, Fallout shelter manager
JACK R. PIROZZOLO
JUNE 19, 1940 -AUGUST 20, 2014
Planning Board 1978-1991
Historical Commission 1994
Nashoba Regional district school Committee 1995-1997
Historical district study committee (center village) 1978-1980
Historical District Study Committee 1991 – 1993
JUDITH A. PRENTISS
MARCH 30, 1939 – SEPTEMBER 1, 2014
Lancaster Middle School Cafeteria
Lancaster Town Library, Librarian
Republican Town Committee - 1980
MARIETTA PORAS
MARCH 30, 1939 – DECEMBER 19, 2014
Lancaster board of health – 1995-1999
Town meeting teller/election worker
Republican Town Committee – 1976/1980
Library Needs Study Committee – 1978
Finance committee – 1978-1979
Library trustee – 1986-1991 TOWN OF LANCASTER – ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IN MEMORIAM ...... 1 REMOVAL OF THE BARTLETT POND HYDROELECTRIC DAM ...... 7 I. GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 8
TOWN OFFICALS AND COMMITTEES ...... 8 GENERAL TOWN INFORMATION ...... 18 I. GENERAL GOVERNMENT ...... 19
BOARD OF SELECTMEN ...... 19 PERMANENT STANDING COMMITTEES ...... 19 STAFFING ...... 20
PERSONNEL BOARD ...... 28 TOWN COUNSEL ...... 28 TOWN CLERK ...... 29 TREASURER/COLLECTOR OFFICE ...... 33 III. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ...... 35
LANCASTER BOARD OF HEALTH ...... 35 BOARD ACTIVITIES ...... 36 NASHOBA ASSOCIATED BOARDS OF HEALTH ...... 41 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT ...... 42 COUNCIL ON AGING ...... 47 TAX REBATE PROGRAM ...... 56 LANCASTER HOUSING AUTHORITY ...... 56 COMMISSION ON DISABILITY ...... 57 OFFICE OF VETERAN’S SERVICES ...... 60 IV. OFFICE OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ...... 61
BOARD OF APPEALS ...... 61 PLANNING BOARD ...... 65 CONSERVATION COMMISSION ...... 72 BARTLETT POND DAM REMOVAL ...... 76 AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION...... 78 ENERGY COMMISSION ...... 80 V. PUBLIC SAFETY ...... 83
LANCASTER POLICE DEPARTMENT ...... 83 LANCASTER FIRE DEPARTMENT ...... 89 ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION ...... 92 ANIMAL INSPECTOR – BARN BOOK ...... 93 VI. OFFICE OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES ...... 94
BUILDING DEPARTMENT ...... 94 PLUMBING AND GAS INSPECTOR ...... 96 ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR ...... 96 SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ...... 97 VII. PUBLIC WORKS ...... 98
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ...... 98 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT ...... 99 CEMETERY AND TREE DIVISION ...... 99 WATER DIVISION ...... 99 DEVENS REGIONAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS ...... 100 PRODUCTS COLLECTION CENTER ...... 100 VIII. CULTURE AND RECREATION ...... 103
TRUSTEES OF THE THAYER MEMORIAL LIBRARY...... 103 STERLING-LANCASTER COMMUNITY TELEVISION, INC. (SLCT) ...... 113 LANCASTER HISTORICAL COMMISSION ...... 114 LANCASTER COMMUNITY CENTER ...... 117 RECREATION COMMITTEE ...... 118 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE...... 120 THAYER FIELD RECREATION CAMPUS COMMITTEE ...... 124 LANCASTER TRAIL AND BIKE WAY COALITION ...... 126 TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE...... 131 MEMORIAL DAY ...... 132 EDUCATION ...... 133
NASHOBA REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ...... 133 MINUTEMAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ...... 146 PERKINS SCHOOL ...... 149 IX. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ...... 151
LANDCASTER LAND TRUST ...... 151 LANCASTER 4-H ...... 152 LANCASTER BOY SCOUTS ...... 153 FRIENDS OF LANCASTER SENIORS, INC...... 154 LANCASTER FRIENDS OF THE NASHUA RIVER ...... 155 FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, UNITARIAN, ON THE GREEN ...... 158 EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ...... 159 XI. TOWN RECORDS ...... 162
TOWN RECORDS ...... 162 XII. ELECTIONS AND TOWN MEETINGS ...... 169 WARRANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MARCH 10, 2014 ...... 169 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MARCH 10, 2014, ABBREVIATED NOTES ...... 173 WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, MAY 5, 2014 ...... 176 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, MAY 5, 2014 – ABBREVIATED NOTES ...... 208 ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION RESULTS, MAY 12, 2014 ...... 213 STATE PRIMARY RESULTS, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 ...... 215 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT, OCTOBER 6, 2014 ...... 221 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, OCTOBER 6, 2014 – ABBREVIATED NOTES ...... 225 SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION RESULTS, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 ...... 227 STATE ELECTION RESULTS, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 ...... 228 XIII. FINANCIAL REPORTS ...... 231
BOARD OF ASSESSORS ...... 231 HISTORIC TAX RATES ...... 233 FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT...... 234 FINANCE DIRECTOR AND TOWN ACCOUNTANT REPORT ...... 235 TOWN OF LANCASTER – COMBINED BALANCE SHEET – ALL FUND TYPES...... 236 TOWN OF LANCASTER FY 2014 BUDGET ...... 237 TOWN OF LANCASTER – OTHER FUNDS, FY 2014 ...... 239 Bartlett Pond Dam, Before Renovation Bartlett Pond Dam, During Renovation (Photo: PARE Corporation) (Photo: PARE Corporation)
Bartlett Pond Dam, Before Renovation Bartlett Pond Dam, After Renovation (Photo: S. Piazza) (Photo: S. Piazza)
Bartlett Pond Dam, After Renovation (Photo: PARE Corporation) REMOVAL OF THE BARTLETT POND HYDROELECTRIC DAM
Two major themes running through the Town of Lancaster in 2014 were conservation and saving taxpayer money. In building the solar array on the landfill the Town was able to save funds on monitoring requirements at the landfill as well as find a use for land that was deemed “unusable.” The Town was able to lower electricity charges, saving money, as well as become an example of how municipalities can be leaders in alternative clean energy and environmental conservation.
Another example of a Town project that achieved saving taxpayer money and proactive conservation of the environment was the removal of the century-old Bartlett hydroelectric dam and the subsequent conversion into a peaceful rest area along a restored natural wildlife area.
The Bartlett Pond Dam was a municipally owned dam located at the Robert Frommer Conservation Area located along Route 117. The 84-foot long Dam was located at the junction of the Nashua River and the Wekepeke Brook and was built with turbines to provide power to the Bartlett Chair Factory.
The Town of Lancaster went through and extensive public hearing process in conjunction with the Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission. The consensus determined from a financial and ecological perspective was to remove the dam. The cost to repair the dam would only provide a temporary solution and would require more routine maintenance. The cost was significantly more than the removal cost and would still require recurring maintenance and operational expenditures. The Board of Selectmen, with the approval of the Conservation Commission, voted to remove the dam.
In June of 2014, state and local officials celebrated the successful removal of the dam, which had become classified as a “significant hazard.” The Bartlett Pond Dam was the first in the commonwealth to use funds from the Dam and Seawall Bill, a state fund to abate hazardous dams that pose serious risks to the public and the environment.
The dam removal will improved the water quality of the Wekepeke Brook which was classified as a distressed water basin. The removal of the dam and concrete impoundment has allowed for the replacement of warm still water, with free flowing, oxygenated, cooler, deeper, water and has had large scale benefits for local habitat.
The Commonwealth’s Department of Fish and Game has already noticed a return of native brook trout to the approximately 18-miles of restored river and habitat.
The success of this project is only another feather in the cap. The Town of Lancaster has a strong record of protecting outdoor space and promoting protected conservation land.
Additionally, the Town, through projects like the dam removal and the construction of the solar array, has become experienced in turning aging infrastructure into a reusable asset. In 2015 we will continue to make improvements to the Town infrastructure for safety, savings, and with an eye towards preservation and conservation. I. GENERAL INFORMATION
TOWN OFFICALS AND COMMITTEES
POSITION/ TERM BOARD/COMMITTEE NAME EXPIRATION
Moderator David I. Spanagel May, 2015
Board of Selectmen Stanley B. Starr, Jr., Chair May, 2017
Jennifer B. Leone, Clerk May, 2015
Eugene C. Christoph May, 2016
Board of Public Works John J. King, Jr., Chair May, 2015
Theodore R. Manning, Clerk May, 2016
Douglas A. DeCesare May, 2017
Board of Health Robert L. Baylis, Chair May, 2015
David Dunn, Clerk May, 2017
Stephen Piazza May, 2016
Board of Library Trustees Frank T. MacGrory May, 2014
Emily J. Rose May, 2014
Stephanne J. Fiori May, 2015
John C. Schumacher-Hardy May, 2015
Frank S. Streeter May, 2016
Stephen Piazza May, 2016
Planning Board Jeanne G. Rich, Chair May, 2016
Francis Sullivan, Vice-Chair May, 2019
Victor Koivumaki May, 2015
Thomas J. Christopher May, 2017
Philip F. Lawler, Clerk May, 2018
TERM BOARD/COMMITTEE NAME EXPIRATION
Finance Committee James E. Riley, Chair May, 2015
D. Susan Thompson, Vice-Chair May, 2017
Michelle Vasquez, Clerk May, 2015
Matthew W. Carpenter May, 2016
David DiTullio May, 2016
Housing Authority Henry A. Richter, Chair May, 2016
Duanne M. Miller, Vice-Chair May, 2017
Mary Judith MacLean May, 2015
Frank T. MacGrory May, 2019
State Appointee Carol J. Sonia August, 2019
Nashoba Regional School Julie E. Fay May, 2017
District Committee Kara E. Keith May, 2015
Cathleen G. Thier May, 2016
Officers Appointed Annually by the Board of Selectmen
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Animal Control Officer Phyllis A Tower 6/30/2015
Animal Inspector (Barn Book) Phyllis A. Tower 4/30/2015
Building Inspector - Alternate Tony Zahariadis 6/30/2015
Emergency Management Director Michael Hanson None
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Environmental Coordinator Vacant
Fence Viewer Peter Munroe 6/30/2015
Keeper of the Lockup Edwin Burgwinkel 6/30/2015
Keeper of the Town Pound Vacant
MART Advisory Board Designee Alexander W. Turner 6/30/2015
Measurer of Wood & Back Ronald W. Valinski, Jr. 6/30/2015
M.J.T.C. Representative Noreen Piazza 6/30/2015
M.R.P.C. Alternate Representative Eugene C. Christoph 6/30/2015
Sealer of Weights & Measures Ronald W. Valinsky, Jr 6/30/2015
Town Counsel Kopelman & Paige, P.C. 6/30/2013
Veterans' Agent Gerard Bourque 6/30/2015
Veterans' Agent - Alternate Vacant
Veterans' Burial Agent Mary de Alderete 6/30/2015
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Veterans' Grave Officer Vacant
Officers Appointed to Multi-Year Terms by the Board of Selectmen
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Building Official/Zoning Peter M. Munro 06/30/2015 Enforcement Officer
Collector-Treasurer Mary Frost 07/02/2014
Conservation Agent David Koonce (apptd 7/8/13)
Constable Kevin D. Lamb 05/20/2016
Constable Lyle W. Pierce 06/17/2016
Director of Finance & Budget Cheryl Gariepy 10/09/2014
Fire Chief (Acting) Kevin D. Lamb 12/31/2013
Insurance Advisory Comm. – Vacant Retiree Representative
Municipal Hearings Officer Ryan McNutt None
Planning Director Noreen Piazza 06/30/2014
Police Chief Kevin D. Lamb 12/31/2014
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Town Administrator Ryan McNutt 06/30/2017
Town Clerk Mary de Alderete 6/30/2017
Boards and Commissions Appointed by the Board of Selectmen
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Agricultural Commission Peter Jakubowicz 06/16/2014
David C. Kilbourn 06/16/2014
Susan V. Miner 06/16/2016
Eric Jakubowicz 06/16/2016
Animal Control Commission Kelly E. Quill 11/15/2015
Erin M. DeCoste 11/15/2015
Stephanie S. Frommer 11/15/2016
Joyce E. Moody 11/15/2016
Janice H. Johnson 11/15/2016
Philip Keating Resigned 12/31/14
Vacant 11/15/2015
Board of Appeals Robert L. Baylis, (Alt) 01/15/2020
Scott Miller 06/30/2016
Robert Marshall 06/30/2017
Sarah E. Gulliver 06/30/2018
David K. Stadtherr 06/30/2018
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Board of Appeals, cont. Jeanne G. Rich 06/30/2019
Francis G. Sullivan Jr. 06/30/2017
Mark D. Eaton (Alt) 06/30/2016
Board of Assessors Joan E. Navarro 05/07/2017
Debra Sanders 09/02/2017
Michael Burke, Sr. 10/02/2015
Vacant
Board of Registrars Elizabeth Cahill 06/03/2017
John A. Ranieri 04/01/2015
Mary Perreira 05/17/2016
Mary de Alderete 12/01/2017
Cable TV Advisory Committee Christopher T. Detsikas None
Robert Kadlec None
Commission on Disability Michael McCue 06/30/2017
Carolyn Stump 06/30/2017
Susan Smith 06/30/2015
Rose-Marie Bissonnette 09/06/2015
Lorry Doucet 06/30/2016
Daryl Blaney 06/30/2016
Marilyn Chambers 09/06/2016
Vacant – Associate (3)
Peter M. Munro (Advisor) None
Community Center Board of Directors Stanley B. Starr, Jr. 03/14/2015
Conservation Commission Kenneth F. Rapoza, Chair 06/30/2016
Thomas J. Christopher, Vice Chair 02/11/2016
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Ruth Anderson 06/30/2016
Peter Farmer 06/30/2015
James Lavallee 09/23/2016
Theodore R. Manning 06/30/2015
Nathan Stevens 06/30/2016
Thomas J. Early (Assoc) 06/30/2015
Council on Aging Michele Macdonald, Chair 01/09/2018
Eileen M. McRell, Secretary 06/30/2017
Michelle Jones 12/30/2017
Nicole Kanis 06/30/2017
Frank MacGrory 06/30/2015
Mary J. MacLean 06/30/2015
JoAgnes Santangelo 06/29/2015
Cultural Council Deborah Adams, Chair 11/05/2015
Joyce Corbosiero, Secretary 11/05/2015
Pamela Burgwinkle 12/07/2015
Jane-Anne Crossman 02/07/2015
Dean Easterling 12/30/2017
Emily Easterling 12/23/2019
Jennifer D. McNamara 11/14/2017
Mary Anne Ware 01/29/2015
Energy Commission Donald E. Atkinson Standing
John Bowman, Jr. Standing
Andrew Detsikas Standing
Theodore R. Manning Standing
Jay M. Moody Standing
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Historical Commission Michael S. Sczerzen, Chair 06/30/2017
Heather L. Lennon 06/30/2014
Joy F. Peach 06/30/2016
Sally M. Rouleau 06/30/2016
Mark A. Schryver 06/30/2016
Karen S. Silverthorn 06/30/2015
Imogene Watson 06/30/2015
Joan H. Richards (Assoc) 06/30/2014
Garrett J. Sheehan (Assoc) 09/09/2014
Memorial Day Committee Ann P. Fuller 06/30/2015
Jennifer Lapen 06/30/2015
Mary K. Paquette 06/30/2015
Henry A. Paszko 06/30/2015
Karen S. Shaw 06/30/2015
Carol J. Sonia 06/30/2015
Leslie Montague 06/30/2015
Alexandra Turner 06/30/2015
Open Space and Recreation Committee Ted Manning None Eugene Christoph None
Shirley Griffin None
Personnel Board Bonnie Mae Smith 05/07/2015
Vacant
Vacant
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Property Disposal Committee Stanley B. Starr, Jr. None
Michael S. Sczerzen None
James E. Riley None
Recreation Committee Theodore R. Manning 06/30/2017
Johnna Doyle 06/30/2017
Joseph G. Kennedy 06/30/2015
Susan E. Smiley 06/30/2015
Jeanne Blauner 06/30/2015
Paul Morrison 06/30/2016
Dondrae K. May 10/21/2016
Thayer Field Campus Committee Susan Smiley 05/06/2017
Elizabeth Cahill 05/06/2015
Win Clark 05/06/2016
Jeanne Blauner 05/06/2016
Cliff McMullen 05/06/2017
Matthew T. Hourihan 09/09/2017
Vacant - Associate 05/09/2015
Town Forest Committee Jason Allison 06/30/2015
Timothy H. Castner 06/30/2016
Kenneth F. Rapoza 06/30/2016
Other Town & School Department Officials
TERM POSITION/TITLE NAME EXPIRATION
Chosen by Ambulance Captain Everett W. Moody, Jr. Ambulance Squad
D. Susan Thompson/Barbara Burial Agent Employed by BOH Bartlett
Council on Aging Director Alexandra W. Turner Employed by ACC
Appointed by Bldg Gas/Plumbing Inspector Wilfred Delorey Commissioner
Gas/Plumbing Inspector Appointed by Bldg Thomas Soldi (Alternate) Commissioner
Employed by Library Director Joseph Mulé Library Trustees
Minuteman School Appointed by Daniel Mazzola Committee Moderator
Designated by MRPC Delegate Victor A. Koivumaki Planning Board
Appointed by DPW Supt of Public Works Christopher Czermak Board
Supt of Schools Contract with Dr. Edward A. Bouquillon (Minuteman) School Committee
Supt of Schools (Nashoba) Contract with Michael L. Wood School Committee
Appointed by Bldg Wire Inspector Alfred Roberts Commissioner
Appointed by Bldg Wire Inspector David M. Hinckley (Alternate) Commissioner
GENERAL TOWN INFORMATION
Lancaster’s history dates back to 1642 when Sholan, chief of the Nashaway Indian tribe, deeded 80 square miles of land to Thomas King and Henry Symonds. The town was incorporated as Lancaster in 1653, making it the oldest town in Worcester County. Between 1730 and 1850, eight towns were spun off from the original Town of Lancaster: Harvard, Leominster, Boylston, Berlin, Bolton, Sterling, Clinton and West Boylston.
Lancaster occupies about 28 square miles along the banks of the Nashua River in North Central Massachusetts, on Routes 2 and I-190, just 16 miles northeast of Worcester and about 50 miles west of Boston. The tax rate for 2014 was $18.91. Population totals for 2014 averaged 7,000 residents. Many of Lancaster’s residents are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Adventists established Atlantic Union College, a small four-year liberal arts school, in South Lancaster 125 years ago.
Lancaster is a quiet town that has maintained its rural character and sense of history. Old houses and stone walls adorn the historic town center. Several historic buildings surround the Town Green, including the First Church Unitarian, designed by noted Boston architect Charles Bulfinch in 1816 which boasts an original Paul Revere bell in its tower; the Thayer Memorial Library, built in 1865 as a dedication to the Civil War dead; Lancaster’s former Center School/high school, the Prescott Building; and the one-hundred-year-old Town Hall.
Several annual events are held on the historic Town Green, including “Old Fashioned Community Home Day” and the Strawberry Festival in June, outdoor concerts, and the Farmer’s Market all summer. The Bolton Fair is now held at the Fairgrounds on Route 117 in Lancaster every year. Since 2009 the fair is held in August. In early October the annual Horseshed Fair, a juried arts and crafts fair, is held at the First Church in the center of town.
Lancaster is a member of the Nashoba Regional School District (with Bolton and Stow) as well as the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District. Other schools in Lancaster include the Browning Elementary School and South Lancaster Academy, both Seventh-day Adventist schools; the Doctor Franklin Perkins School, a school for children and adults with special behavioral, emotional and developmental needs; the Living Stones Christian School; the Robert F. Kennedy Action Corps., which provides care, counseling, treatment, education and rehabilitative services for at risk children in Massachusetts; The Trivium, a private school that stresses classical education; and the Thayer Performing Arts Center, which provides music education.
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I. GENERAL GOVERNMENT
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board of Selectmen is pleased to present its Annual Report for the calendar year 2014
Two new board members Jennifer B. Leone and Eugene C. Christoph were elected to the Board of Selectmen at a recall Town Election on November 4th, 2014.
The Board re-organized at the organizational meeting held on November 7th, 2014 following the Town Election. Stanley B. Starr, Jr. was elected to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Jennifer B. Leone was elected Clerk, and Eugene C. Christoph served as Third Member.
Acknowledgements
Throughout 2014, our various boards and committees had very busy agendas. The commitment of our board and committee volunteers was the key to another successful year for the Town of Lancaster.
Without these volunteers past, present, and future there would be no way the Town would be able to undertake all the responsibilities it is charged with. It is the dedication and expertise of these individuals that allow the Board of Selectmen to make continued progress in accomplishing its goals and objectives. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all those individuals for their service.
The Board would also like to extend its appreciation to the all the employees for their invaluable assistance and guidance throughout the year. The hard work and dedication was evident.
Permanent Standing Committees
Agricultural Commission Cultural Council Animal Control Commission Energy Commission Board of Appeals Council on Aging Board of Assessors Historical Commission Board of Registrars of Voters Recreation Committee Commission on Disability Town Forest Committee Conservation Commission Open Space and Recreation
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Staffing
Well wishes to Town Clerk Sue Thompson who retired. Town Clerk duties were assumed by the Assistant Town Clerk, Barbara J. Bartlett. “Acting” Town Clerk Barbara Bartlett also moved on to another position and resigned from the Town effective October 7, 2014. The Board of Selectmen wishes Barbara well and thanks her for service to the Town.
The Board of Selectmen in October, 2014 hired Mary de Alderete to serve as the new Town Clerk for a term of three years effective to June, 2017.
The Board of Selectmen, additionally, offer well wishes to long time Police Chief Kevin D. Lamb who retired in November 2014 after 40 years with the Lancaster Police Department. Chief Lamb’s retirement was effective November 7th, 2014. Sergeant Edwin Burgwinkel assumed the duties as “acting” police chief until a Civil Service exam can be held and a permanent chief can be appointed.
Legislative Delegation
The Board wishes to acknowledge the assistance of Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr., and Senator Jennifer Flanagan, for their work on behalf of the Town.
The legislative delegation was very helpful in assisting the Town of a number of issues. Of special note was the direct funding ($100,000) that was secured specifically for the Prescott Building Renovation
The Town also has a number of projects requiring state involvement and funding. The continued assistance of our Statehouse delegation has made the coordination and completion of these items a success. We thank them for their continued support in the advocacy of issues important to The Town of Lancaster, and its residents.
Fiscal Year 2015 Budget
The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee were committed to bringing a level service budget before Town Meeting that would maintain services for the
20 community. The budget adopted at the Town Meeting was $17,895,755 for Fiscal Year 2015. This is an overall increase 4.06% from Fiscal Year 2014.
Minuteman Regional High School
The Board of Selectmen would like to thank the entire Minuteman School Committee for their contributions over the past year. The Town of Lancaster had 27 High School students enrolled in 2014. The total assessment of for FY15 was $699,343, an increase of 7.9% from Fiscal Year 2014.
The Board of Selectmen would like to acknowledge the faculty and staff of the school district for all their contributions both in and out of the classroom. We are thankful for community service projects the Town receives.
Nashoba Regional School District Budget
The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee worked closely with the Lancaster members of the Nashoba Regional School District School Committee to develop a District Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015.
The School Committee and Administration put forth a budget that resulted in an assessment to the Town of Lancaster of $10,665,624. This was an increase of 4.2% from the previous fiscal year. The Town looks forward to working with the School Committee and the Superintendent on a budget document that continues to maintain and preserve the quality of education our resident expect from the Nashoba Regional School District.
The Board wishes to acknowledge the hard work of the Lancaster School Committee delegation. Their dedication to the community and its children is deeply appreciated.
The Board of Selectmen would like to acknowledge the dedicated faculty and staff of the school district. The Town and its residents value the great educational product it receives with its tax dollars.
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Town Meetings
March 10, 2014 Special Town Meeting – Attendance approximately 350 residents
The Town Moderator, Mr. David Spanagel, called the Special Town Meeting to order on Monday, March 10th to act on 3 Warrant Articles. Once the meeting was called Town Moderator Spanagel recused himself, due to an opinion expressed toward a Warrant Article (A1), Deputy Town Moderator James M. Burgoyne took over conducting that vote.
(Article 1) The Town voted to support a citizen’s petition for a special act to provide for the recall of public officials. The vote was conducted by secret ballot with a vote in favor 287 to 58
(Article 2) The Town voted to support the appropriation of $60,000 for the installation of an elevator at the Community Center.
(Article 3) The Town voted to authorize the borrowing of $116,000 for the removal of the Bartlett Pond Dam.
The Board would also like to thank our Town Moderators, Mr. David Spanagel and James Burgoyne for their diligent handling of Town Meeting, as well as those members of the Board of Registrars & Barbara Bartlett, our Town Clerk who work the meeting. As always we are grateful to those residents who take time out of their busy schedule to attend and participate.
May 5, 2014 Annual Town Meeting– Attendance approximately 145 residents
The Town Moderator, Mr. David Spanagel, called the Annual Town Meeting to order on Monday, May 5th to act on 19 Warrant Articles. The Board of Selectmen took the opportunity to express thanks and appreciation to both Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco and Town Clerk Susan Thompson who both left Town service in 2014.
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All 19 Warrant Articles were approved including, a down payment on a new fire truck ($50,000), a new police cruiser ($39,000), the $17,895,755 operating budget for Fiscal Year 2015, and a citizen’s petition to appropriate $415,000 to put towards the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB). Additional Warrant Articles dealt with Zoning and Conservation, including an approval of the creation of a Medical Marijuana Overlay District and a Neighborhood Business District Overlay near the five (now four)-corners intersection.
October 6, 2014 Special Town Meeting – Attendance approximately 70 residents
The Town Moderator, Mr. David Spanagel, called the Special Town Meeting to order on Monday, October 6th to act on 4 Warrant Articles.
All 4 Warrant Articles were approved including, finalization of the Town’s $17,900,858 operating budget for Fiscal Year 2015. Capital Articles included, Fire/EMS Department - $200,000 for the purchase of a new Ambulance; Board of Public Works - $24,000 for the purchase of a new truck for DPW Superintendent; Police - $35,000 for the purchase of a new police cruiser.
Article 3 covered a liability on the Town account that the MA Department of Revenue advised should be funded while anticipating the reimbursement of the funds the amount and reason were: $271,000 to cover the October 31, 2011 storm deficit.
Article 4 Transfer the care and custody of two parcels of land to the Conservation Commission, pursuant to M.G.L., Chapter 40, Section 8(C) – Assessors Map 24/Parcel 82, North Main St., 12.60+/- acres, Deed Book 03893/Page 323 and Assessors Map 24/Parcel 90A, North Main St., 25.00+/- acres, Deed Book 50601/Page 85.
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Planning for the Future
There are several priorities for the Town as we look at 2015. Undertaking the renovation of the Prescott Building will really begin this coming year as well a review of all municipal buildings and how they can be best preserved while also maximizing efficiency to reduce their operational costs.
The Town will continue to explore opportunities to add additional solar to the existing Landfill Array. That project has been an enormous benefit to the Town both reducing electrical costs to the municipal buildings and achieving electricity rate savings for the entire Town.
Another area that the Board of Selectmen and Town officials have identified as a priority for 2015 is the maintenance and improvement of the Town’s water infrastructure. This infrastructure, the pipes, wells, tanks, pump houses, and machinery is on average over 50 years old, the pipes are much older, and the potential for emergencies is such that attention is due to be paid to this critical service.
Beyond the investment to the existing water infrastructure, the Town Planning Department is working a range of potential options to address the lack of water infrastructure in the areas zoned for commercial and industrial development in north Lancaster. The installation of water access will be a key incentive to attract companies to Lancaster which will mean jobs and additional tax base.
The Board of Selectmen will continue to work diligently with other departments, boards, and committees to facilitate projects for the betterments of the community with the focus on operating efficiency and improving the overall quality of life in Lancaster.
Sincerely,
Stanley B. Starr Jr., Chairman
Jennifer B. Leone, Clerk
Eugene C. Christoph, Member
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LICENSES ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN CALENDAR YEAR 2014
LICENSE TYPE ISSUED TO BUSINESS ADDRESS
Automobile Dealer – Ron Bouchard Dodge, LLC, 488 Old Union Turnpike, Class 1, Class 2 d/b/a Ron Bouchard’s KIA Lancaster, Massachusetts
Automatic Amusement N.E. Fun Centers, Inc. 90 Duval Road, Lancaster, Devices Weekdays and d/b/a Roll-on-America Massachusetts Sundays
Common Victualler N.E. Fun Centers, Inc. 90 Duval Road, Lancaster, d/b/a Roll-on-America Massachusetts
Roller Skating Rink N.E. Fun Centers, Inc. 90 Duval Road, Lancaster, Weekdays and Sundays d/b/a Roll-on-America Massachusetts
Automobile Dealer – AMR Holdings – LN, LLC, 700 Old Union Turnpike, Class 1 d/b/a Prime Scion Route 2 Lancaster, Massachusetts
Automobile Dealer – Padula Bros., Inc. 700 Fort Pond Road, Class 1 Lancaster, Massachusetts
Automobile Dealer – Crawford Truck Sales, Inc. 2176 Main Street, Lancaster, Class 2 Massachusetts
Automobile Dealer – AMR Holdings – LN, LLC, 700 Old Union Turnpike, Class 1, Common d/b/a Prime Toyota Route Lancaster, Massachusetts Victualler 2
Automobile Dealer – F.J.S. Auto, Inc. 248 Main Street So. Class 2 Lancaster, Massachusetts
Automobile Dealer – Jose M. Fuentes d/b/a RBI 767 Sterling Road, Class 2 Motors Lancaster, Massachusetts
Automobile Dealer – Ron Bouchard’s Auto 490 Old Union Turnpike, Class I, Class 2 Sales, Inc. d/b/a Ron Lancaster, Massachusetts Bouchard’s Nissan
Automobile Dealer – Ron Bouchard’s Auto 500 Old Union Turnpike, Class I, Class 2 Sales, Inc. d/b/a The Lancaster, Massachusetts Honda Store
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LICENSE TYPE ISSUED TO BUSINESS ADDRESS Automobile Dealer – Route 117 Used Auto 2176 Main Street Class 2, Class 3, Collector Parts, Inc. Lancaster, Massachusetts of Junk
Automobile Dealer – Nationwide Auto Recycling, 1340 & 1410 Lunenburg Class 3, Collector of Junk Inc. Road, Lancaster, Massachusetts
Lodging House Atlantic Union College P.O. Box 1000, So. (Preston Hall – Women’s Lancaster, Massachusetts Dormitory) 284 Main St., So. Lancaster, MA Food & Beverage Sterling National, LLC 33 Albright Road, Sterling, Dispensing to Members Massachusetts
Common Victualler, Michael A. Gleason d/b/a 56 Main Street, Lancaster, License to Sell Wine and Michael’s Bridge Diner Massachusetts Malt Beverages Common Victualler Lancaster Golf Training 438 Old Union Turnpike, Center, LP Lancaster, Massachusetts
Common Victualler Kimball Farm at Oakridge, 1543 Lunenburg Road, LLC Lancaster, Massachusetts
Common Victualler Jennifer Joan Macellari, 162 Main Street Lancaster, d/b/a Sandee’s Restaurant Massachusetts
Common Victualler Trolley Stop Pizzaria, Inc. 18A Prescott Street, So. Lancaster, Massachusetts
Common Victualler Dolce Brands, LLC 188 Ayer Rd., Harvard, concession @ Mass. Massachusetts Youth Soccer Assoc., 512 Old Union Tnpk., Lancaster, MA Innholder and Common Charlotte E. Creighton 12 Old Common Road, Victualler d/b/a College Town Bed & Lancaster, Massachusetts Breakfast
Lunch Cart @ Bartlett Michael Murphy 473 Union St., Leominster, Pond Massachusetts
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LICENSE TYPE ISSUED TO BUSINESS ADDRESS License to sell wine in Still River Winery Inc. 104 Bolton Road, Hudson, sealed containers at the Massachusetts Bolton Fair 8/8/14 - 8/10/14
Sunday Entertainment – Antique Truck Club of 32 Wilkins St., Hudson, Antique Truck Show America – N.E. Chapter Massachusetts 7/13/14 @ 318 Seven Bridge Road
Public Amusement & Rose Darden, President, P.O. Box 154, Bolton, Exhibition (Weekdays) The Bolton Fair Massachusetts 8/7/14 – 8/9/14 and Sunday 8/10/14 to conduct agricultural fair @ 318 Seven Bridge Road
Sunday Entertainment - Thomas Christopher, 252 Fort Pond Inn Road, To conduct a River Lancaster, Massachusetts Festival on 6/21/14 @ Member, Festival Culley’s Field, Seven Committee Bridge Road
Public Amusement & Dean & Flynn d/b/a Fiesta 15 Pine Street, Seabrook, Exhibition (Weekdays) Shows New Hampshire 8/7/14 – 8/9/14 and Sunday 8/10/14 @ 318 Seven Bridge Road
Sunday Entertainment – Ty-Rods Club, Inc. P.O. Box 409, North antique & hot rod car Reading, Massachusetts show on 9/7/14 @ 318 Seven Bridge Road
Automobile Dealer – J. C. Madigan, Inc. 450 Old Union Turnpike., Class 2 (Not to exceed 25 Lancaster, Massachusetts vehicles)
Weekday Entertainment Denise Hurley 102 Bolton Road, So. to conduct Folk Music Lancaster, Massachusetts Series February to December @ 725 Main St., Lancaster, MA
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PERSONNEL BOARD
The Personnel Board did not submit a report for 2014.
TOWN COUNSEL
Kopelman and Paige P.C. serves the Town of Lancaster as Town Counsel. In this capacity, the firm provides legal guidance, advice, and recommendations regarding legal issues and matters as requested by the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, and various Town Boards and Departments. As Town Counsel, we represent the Town before regulatory boards, agencies, and commissions, and represent and defend the Town in claims, suits, and actions brought in state and federal courts. We provide assistance to the Town in numerous transactions, including the leasing and sale of real estate. We also assist the Town in the enforcement of laws, bylaws, and rules and regulations for the public benefit.
Town Counsel is tasked with the drafting, review and interpretation of proposed and existing bylaws, contracts, licenses, and other documents. We assist with the drafting and approval of warrant articles and preparation for Town Meeting. We assist the Town with election issues, and other issues impacting the Town’s legal governance.
Kopelman and Paige strives to address the Town’s legal needs in an effective and efficient manner, and provides trainings and no-cost memoranda on a variety of legal topics to assist the Town in making decisions. This year, legal memoranda provided to the Town addressed various aspects of the newly enacted state ethics commission regulations, the Affordable Care Act, important HIPAA changes, and information relative to important legal and caselaw developments. These memoranda are intended to provide additional guidance to the Town and its boards and committees on developing areas of law.
It remains a privilege to serve the Town of Lancaster as Town Counsel. We thank the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator for the opportunity to serve the Lancaster community and for their efforts and dedication in attending to the many needs of the Town. We also appreciate the
28 opportunity to work closely with the Town’s dedicated department heads, employees and boards.
We look forward to continuing to provide the Town with effective legal advice and representation.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark R. Reich
for the firm of Kopelman and Paige, P.C.,
Town Counsel
TOWN CLERK
The Clerk’s Office is currently staffed by two full-time employees. Mary de Alderete was appointed to Town Clerk in October, and Dianne Reardon became the Assistant Town Clerk in November. George Davis assisted the Office while working under the auspices of the Senior Tax Work-Off Program.
Responsibilities of the Office include:
Oversight of municipal and State elections, including preparing voting lists, machine testing, and training of election officers and personnel.
Issuance of vital records including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Assisting the public for genealogical research.
Record and file applications and decisions by the Planning Board and the Board of Appeals and issue certificates and information regarding appeals.
Administration of the Annual Town Census including updating, printing, mailing, and follow-up. Preparation of the Annual Street List and compilation and editing of the Annual Town Report.
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Post meetings and minutes for compliance with Open Meeting Law for all boards/committees. Oversee website for these postings, as well as community events and notifications.
Process business certificates, dog licenses, and requests for information from the public, other municipalities, state officials, etc. Serve as a liaison to the Animal Control Commission.
Susan Thompson, prior Town Clerk, retired in May of 2014. Barbara Bartlett became the Acting Town Clerk until Ms. de Alderete’s appointment in October. In 2014 the Clerk’s Office was responsible for the administration of the Annual Town Election, September State Primary and November State/Special Recall Election.
The Clerk’s Office is especially grateful to Warden Rita Ford for her continued service to our Town. She began as a Warden in 1968 and has been serving as an Election Official for 46 years! This year was especially poignant as she was joined at the polls by her daughter, Sharon Hutchins, and granddaughter, Amanda Cannon. It was wonderful to see three generations working together!
Along with Ms. Ford, we could not have run the election without the many election workers who worked so diligently to ensure that everything went smoothly. Thanks also go out to Assistant Warden Jeanne Rich and her tally workers and counters who stayed after every election to calculate results.
The Board of Registrars currently consists of Town Clerk, Mary de Alderete (U), John Ranieri (R), Mary Perreira (D) and Kevin Baer (R). The Board is tasked with conducting voter registration sessions as required by the Secretary of State’s office twenty (20) days prior to every election. Dianne Reardon, the Assistant Town Clerk, currently sends birthday cards and voter registration forms to every person in town when they reach 18 years old and become eligible to vote.
Notes on town meeting proceedings and election results can be found on the Town Clerk’s website at: http://www.ci.lancaster.ma.us/Pages/LancasterMA_TownClerk/index. Elections and Town Meetings results for 2014 may be found at the end of this Report.
The Clerk’s Office is also responsible for swearing in newly elected officials and appointed committee and board members, distributing and recording receipt of Open Meeting Law, and Conflict of Interest information to all employees and board/committee members.
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In 2014, the Clerk’s Office produced revenues totaling $34,000 to the Town, directly from the sale of dog licenses, certified copies of vital records, business licenses, and miscellaneous fines. Dog licenses and vital records may now be purchased on-line for a slight transaction charge. (http://www.ci.lancaster.ma.us/Pages/LancasterMA_WebDocs/billpay)
I am grateful for the very gracious welcome I have received from the Citizens of Lancaster from the time of my appointment to the position, and consider it an honor to serve as your Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary de Alderete Town Clerk
Three Generations at the November 4, 2014 State Election. Back Row: Daughter, Sharon Hutchins. Front Row, Head Warden, Rita Ford, Granddaughter, Amanda (Mandy) Cannon. (Photo: Jean Russo)
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Vital Records 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
Births 54 55 57 53 53 64 61
Marriages 22 20 20 17 14 23 23
Deaths 69 84 66 85 66 62 68
Registered Voters 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
Democrat 868 900 905 924 907 921 915
Republican 721 734 720 724 709 721 715
Libertarian 9 14 11 n/a 15 15 n/a
Green-Rainbow 10 11 10 7 n/a n/a n/a
All Other Political 11 4 3 14 8 9 25 Designations Unenrolled (no party 2985 3,064 3,003 2,969 2,909 2,916 2,857 designation)
Total Registered 4604 4,727 4,652 4,638 4,548 4,582 4,512 Voters
Dog Licenses Issued 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
Individual Tags 1,181 1,148 1,115 1,109 1,072 1,049 1,037
Kennels 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
Business Certificates 57 39 30 44 56 38 28 Issued
Documents Notarized 77 63 70 57 78 67 77
Population by Year 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
7,076 7,096 7,013 7,143 7,228 7,281 7,202
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TREASURER/COLLECTOR OFFICE
One of the most important accomplishments during 2014 was the funding of the Towns OPEB (Other Post Employee Benefits) liability. At the May 2, 2014 annual town meeting it was approved to appropriate $415,000 from free cash to fund the OPEB trust. The funds were invested in the PRIT (Pension Reserves Investment Trust) Fund on October 1, 2014. The Town can be very proud of this accomplishment, it puts us well ahead of other municipalities in the funding this liability.
In March of 2014 we held a Town foreclosure auction sale on property located at 2121 North Main St. The winning bid was $69,500.00. After taxes, interest, fees and other costs (surveying, site cleanup, title 5, etc.) the profit to the Town was $5536.00.
During April we held our Benefits fair for employees. The fair gives town employees the opportunity to compare health insurance plans, sign up with Great West investments services, check in with Worcester Regional Retirement, see the Town nurse and check out other benefit providers.
In 2014 we saw an increase in our credit card payments at the counter. We accept MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Convenience fees are passed onto the bill payer.
Our “Go Green” efforts continue by allowing residents and or bill payers the option to “Opt” out of receiving paper bills. All one needs to do, is to register on MCC and follow the instructions to receive your Real Estate and Water bills in an electronic version sent to the email address you provide. This system is also useful to residents to look up past bills for personal tax purposes.
The Treasurer/Collector’s office is a member of the Finance Department. The office is staffed with one full time employee and two part time employees. The office’s primary responsibility is the billing and collection of Real Estate, Personal Property, Excise Tax, and Water. Other duties include:
Receiving and depositing of funds collected from the various departments in the Town. Payroll, taxes, retirement and insurance benefits are processed in the office. Management and collection of retiree’s health insurance premiums. Maintaining, reconciling and safe keeping of bank, investment and Trust Funds accounts. Issuance of Municipal Lien Certificates. Verification tax payments for building permits.
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Working with the Deputy Collector to issue warrants for nonpayment of Taxes Working with the Lancaster Sewer District for the collection of sewer Betterments and interest and sewer usage liens. Short term and Long term borrowing when necessary. Real Estate Tax taking and management of Tax Title accounts are also the responsibility of the Treasurer/Collector’s Office.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary E Frost Treasurer/Collector
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III. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
LANCASTER BOARD OF HEALTH
What Boards of Health Do
Prevent epidemics and the spread of diseases Protect against environmental hazards Promote physical and mental health, welfare and safety Assure the availability and accessibility of quality health services Respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery
Your Board consists of three Lancaster residents elected for staggered three-year terms. Members volunteer their time and expertise to make Lancaster a healthy place to live, work and raise a family through prevention and protection programs. They are responsible for ensuring the enforcement of public health laws, and closing the gaps in minimum State codes by enacting stricter standards that they believe to be more beneficial locally.
Board Duties and Additional Powers and Authority
Health Boards are responsible for over 60 areas of public health law and policy, deriving their authority directly from the Massachusetts General Court. Some of these are:
Homeland security Inspections and enforcement Records and reports Noise, nuisances and complaints Health care and disease control Pesticides and herbicides Housing and dwellings Pools, beaches and camps Hazardous and toxic wastes Water purity and well permits Solid waste and septage Porta-potty and outdoor hydronic heater permits Rubbish and garbage Residential and daycare centers Food safety and service Body art, trash hauler and tobacco sales licenses Smoking and air quality Cemeteries, funeral directors, burial permits
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BOARD ACTIVITIES
The volume and scope of the work required to offer necessary health, sanitary and environmental services to individuals and to the community is amazing and continues to increase in complexity. Almost any topic can be Board of Health- related because health is life itself.
The primary function of the office is to assist callers and visitors by providing accurate information and/or referrals for questions, concerns and applications. A plethora of public records, lists, Department of Public Health disease fact sheets (Lyme disease, flu, pneumonia), safety pamphlets (lead, mold, pet health hazards), guides (private well testing, flood cleanup, pest management) and LBOH Regulations are just a few examples. Each customer is equally important. The office is open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and we can be reached at 978-365-3326 x1310 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Complaints
Identified complaints are investigated by our Nashoba Associated Board of Health Agent, William J. Brookings, R.S., often accompanied by a Board Member. Violations of the Housing and Sanitary Code often involve multiple issues for the BOH, Building/Zoning Commissioner and Fire Department with jurisdiction being determined accordingly. Additionally, we rely on other Town departments to address areas of mutual concern: the Town Clerk, Animal Control Officer, Conservation Commission, Community Development Office, Assessors, Police, Fire, Public Works Department, Council on Aging and the Town Administrator. Communication is the key to helping each other and the residents we serve. Mr. Brookings also provides professional input on projects for the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Board of Appeals.
Bill Brookings consults in person at the BOH office each Wednesday morning from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and can be contacted anytime by voicemail at the NABH office at 978-772-3335 x304 or [email protected].
Septic Systems
The NABH reported that 14 septic system plans were reviewed in 2014, and that 25 Title 5 septic permits were issued by the LBOH.
Wells
The NABH reported that 8 well plans were reviewed in 2014, and that 8 well permits were issued by the LBOH.
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Miscellaneous Permits
A variety of other permits were issued in 2014, including permits for porta- potties and retail sales of tobacco.
Trash
Deliberate dumping of household trash, bulk items (furniture, mattresses, refrigerators), and construction and demolition debris on public roads and private land continues to be a major problem. Apprehension and prosecution of the offenders is complicated. The Board of Selectmen are researching the possibility of adopting some form of Anti-Littering Bylaw to expedite this process.
Residents are reminded that since we have no Town rubbish removal service, a private trash hauler must be contracted. The following companies were licensed to operate in Lancaster in 2014:
Sons of Kristoff, Sterling Waste Management, West Boylston Fiore Trucking & Disposal, Fitchburg Mitrano Removal, Shirley
In addition, the Lancaster Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling Haulers and Dumpster Licensing and Operations Regulations can be found on the BOH web page on the town web site (www.ci.lancaster.ma.us).
Overflowing trash barrels create an unsightly mess and a critter banquet. Not using water-tight receptacles with covers is a violation of the State Sanitary Code 410.6000 and can result in legal action by the BOH. Several of the trash haulers offer curbside recycling or you may take disposables to the Lancaster Recycling Center.
Recycling Center
The Lancaster Recycling Center’s regular hours are 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. The Recycling Center is open to Lancaster residents and also residents of surrounding towns.
There are bins for paper, cardboard, glass, tin cans and electronics. Most electronics can be dropped off without a fee, although there is still a $5 or $10 charge for televisions (depending on size) and a $10 fee for large appliances such as washers, dryers, etc. The fee for any freon appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners) is $15. Smaller appliances and electronics and computer equipment can be dropped off at no charge.
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Tin cans and plastics must be sorted as they go in different bins to different vendors. It is no longer necessary to crush cans, but they must be rinsed out. Please continue to crush plastic containers as that bin fills up quickly. We accept all plastics that display the recycling symbol except for plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. Plastic bags can be recycled at your local grocery store.
Household Hazardous Waste Facility
The Town of Lancaster, along with ten other surrounding municipalities has organized a regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility at Devens, at their current DPW facility. There is a small annual operating assessment from each participating community.
The regional facility will be managed by the North Central Regional Solid Waste Cooperative (NCRSWC), a non-profit that provides these types of services. The site will be run by a professional Household Hazardous Waste vendor, with a chemist on site, and jointly with volunteers from the member towns. Lancaster’s Recycling Committee also has been involved.
The site will be open 20 days per year (10 Wednesdays and Saturdays) from March through December. It is also open to Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) who are generally small businesses like dry cleaners that have more waste then the average household but do not meet are large waste requirement, and residents from the member Towns. The site can be visited by appointment so traffic can be controlled. Residents and VSQGs will still have a fee to dispose of the waste, which will vary depending on the volume of trash.
Emergency Preparation
Lancaster is part of the Massachusetts Region II Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition (http://www.publichealth-massregion2.org/what.htm), a division of the Worcester Department of Health and Human Services. The LBOH has provided input to the 2014 Emergency Dispensing Site Plan.
A Memorandum of Understanding was previously signed between LBOH and Rowlandson/ Burbank Schools to be the location for the Board to administer vaccine or antibiotics from the Strategic National Stockpile due to infectious disease outbreaks of any magnitude. These incidents can range from a single case of hepatitis A in a food handler, to a meningitis outbreak in a school, an influenza pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), or a bioterrorist attack involving thousands of people or the entire population of the United States. The EDS would be activated within 24 hours by both medical and non-medical volunteers.
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Health Alerts
The Health & Homeland Alert Network (HHAN) and The Coalition send immediate nationwide bulletins about health and safety from the CDC.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drug abuse is the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, including accidental poisonings and overdoses. Rid your house of unused medicines safely, and do not flush or throw away as this is a safety and health hazard. See the www.dea.gov web site for a collection site.
Food
Food warnings and alerts seem to be a daily event. There are 88 million cases of food poisoning a year. Consumers can monitor the LBOH web site (www.ci.lancaster.ma.us) or call the MDPH Food Protection Program at 617-983- 6712. New food safety rules are coming on how to shop for, store and prepare your food.
The FDA now lists all ingredients on the bottles of dietary supplements.
Town Health
The NABH public health team’s mission is to provide high-quality public health nursing to our member towns. They provide essential (and state-mandated) services of communicable disease investigation and follow-up, high-risk maternal child services and health promotion.
The health promotion program and outreach has included monthly Wellness Clinics, which include blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, and flu and immunization protection.
NABH also offers home visits, health fairs for health education and screening, and children’s story hours at the library introducing topics such as hand washing and germ control and “A Day at the Doctors”.
The primary focus of the NABH town nurse is on patients, families and open communication, as well as crisis intervention and support to high-risk individuals.
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NABH/LBOH Rabies Clinic
43 dogs and cats were vaccinated at the rabies clinic held at the DPW garage by Mid-State Mobile Veterinary. Micro-chipping was also available. Rabies vaccination certificates for cats are kept on file at the LBOH office; rabies certificates for dogs are kept on file in the Town Clerk’s Office, where dog licenses are issued.
Animal Control Officer
We work closely with the Animal Control Officer and the Town Clerk in sharing Possible Exposure to Rabies reports from veterinarians. The Animal Control Officer quarantines the wounded animal if the injury is from an unknown or unvaccinated source.
Burial Agent
The Town Clerk issued 45 Burial Permits, of which 7 were interred in Lancaster, 18 were cremated, and 20 were interred elsewhere.
Tobacco Control Alliance
The Boards of Health Tobacco Control Alliance (BOHTCA) continues to work with the LBOH in providing inspectional services regarding all tobacco-related issues, including enforcement of all youth access and environmental tobacco smoke regulations, and enforcement of the new Smoke-Free Work Place Law.
A Message from Your Board
We try to use our experiences, insights and skills to help the residents of Lancaster lead healthier lives and get the care they need. We hope to make a difference.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Baylis, Chairman
David Dunn, Member
Stephen Piazza, Member
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NASHOBA ASSOCIATED BOARDS OF HEALTH
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health continues to serve the local Board of Health in meeting the challenges of environmental and public health needs in Lancaster. In addition to the day to day public health work conducted for Lancaster we also provide the following services.
Maintaining Nashoba’s internet web site to provide information for the public. (See nashoba.org)
Nashoba assisted the Board with provided a school-located seasonal flu clinic at Nashoba Regional High School.
Response to health related impacts of beavers through coordination with the local Board of Health in the issuance of the necessary permits.
Response to state mandated changes in regulations requiring more frequent beach sampling through sample collection, submittal for analysis, and follow- up when results were obtained.
We look forward to continuing our work with Lancaster's Board of Health. Included in highlights of 2014 are the following:
Through membership in the Association Lancaster benefited from the services of Nashoba staff including: Registered Sanitarians, Certified Health Officers, Registered Nurses, Nutritionists, Registered Physical & Occupational Therapists, Licensed Social Workers, Certified Home Health Aides, and Registered Dental Hygienists
Reviewed 64 Title 5 state mandated private Septic System Inspections for Lancaster Board of Health. Received, reviewed, and filed these state mandated (but unfunded) Title 5 inspections. Corresponded with inspectors regarding deficiencies; referred deficient inspections to Lancaster Board of Health for enforcement action
By Lancaster's continued participation in the Association you can shape your future local public health programs and share in the benefits of quality service, under local control, at a reasonable cost!
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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Environmental Information Responses
Lancaster Office (days) ...... 49
The Nashoba sanitarian is available for the public regularly on Wednesday morning at the Lancaster Board of Health Office as well as other times when needed.
Food Service Licenses & Inspections………………..42
Nashoba annually mails out and receives application from both restaurants and retail food businesses. Licenses are renewed for existing facilities. Plans are submitted and reviewed prior to initial licensing. Establishments are inspected in accordance with an at risk inspection method. Where deficiencies are found, a re-inspection is scheduled to insure compliance. When a complaint from the public is received an inspection is also conducted. During this inspection health factors of food handlers is also investigated, and where appropriate medical consultation and laboratory testing may be required.
Housing & Nuisance Investigations...... 33
Nashoba, as agent for the local Board of Health, inspects dwellings for conformance with State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410.00, issues orders for correction, and re-inspect for compliance. Similarly, complaints from residents concerning unsanitary conditions or pollution events are investigated.
Beach/Camp...... 13
Camps are inspected at least annually at opening for compliance with State Sanitary Code, Chapter IV, 105CMR430.00. Public swimming beaches are sampled for water quality every other week during the summer and more often if a problem is suspected.
Septic System Test Applications...... ….32
Applications from residents proposing to build or upgrade a septic system are accepted, a file created, and testing dates are coordinated with the applicants engineer.
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Septic System Lot Tests...... 100
Nashoba sanitarian witnesses soil evaluations, deep hole tests, and, usually on a separate date, percolation tests conducted by the applicant’s engineer which serve as the basis of the design of the septic system.
Septic System Plan Applications...... 14
Detailed plans created by engineers hired by residents proposing to build or upgrade a septic system are received, filed, and routed to the Nashoba sanitarian for review.
Septic System Plan Reviews...... 22
Engineered plans are reviewed according to state code, Title 5, and local Board of Health regulations and review forms are created and sent to engineer for revision. Subsequent re- submittals by the engineer are also reviewed.
Septic System Permit Applications ...... 25
Applicants’ approved plan submittals and Board of Health requirements are incorporated into a permit to construct the septic system.
Septic System Inspections ...... 38
Nashoba Sanitarian is called to construction site at various phases of construction to witness & verify that system is built according to plans.
Septic System Consultations...... 145
During all phases of application, design, and construction the Nashoba Sanitarian is called upon for legal details and interpretation.
Well Permits...... 8
Water Quality/Well Consultations ...... 71
Private wells are regulated solely by local Board of Health regulations. The Nashoba Sanitarian assist the BOH by reviewing well plans, securing well water samples, and interpreting water quality test results.
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Rabies Clinics - Animals Immunized ...... 43
Nashoba arranges for local clinics with cooperating veterinarians, arranging for dates and location, placing ads in local newspapers, and sending home flyers through local schools. In addition, since the recent raccoon rabies epizootic Nashoba has arranged for delivery of over 500 animal specimens to the State lab in Jamaica Plain.
Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice
Home Health
Nursing Visits ...... 653
Nashoba’s Certified Home Health Registered Nurses visits provide skilled services to patients in their home under physician’s orders. These services include assessment of physical, psychological, and nutritional needs. Skills include teaching/supervision of medications, wound care, ostomy care, IV therapy on a 24 hour basis, catheter care, case management and referral to other services as needed.
Home Health Aide Visits 85
Nashoba’s Certified Home Care Aides provide assistance with daily activities of daily living including bathing dressing, exercises and meal preparation.
Rehabilitative Therapy Visit ...... 287 Nashoba Therapists provide skilled physical, occupational, speech, and dietary therapeutic interventions through assessment, treatment and education. Their integration of client, caregiver, and medical outcomes aims at attaining maximum functional dependence.
Medical Social Service Visits ...... 26
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Nashoba Social Workers provide short-term assistance to patients at home for counseling and referral to community resources.
Hospice Volunteer and Spiritual Care Visit…….9
Nashoba’s Volunteers and Clergy provide patients with emotional and spiritual support, companionship and guidance.
Clinics Local Well Adult, Support Groups, & Other Clinic
Visits ...... 273
Visits include well adult clinics, and immunization, cholesterol exercise, mental health and bereavement clinics.
Number of patients that attended Flu Clinics held in Lancaster ...... 96
Number of patients whom received other Vaccines ...... 1
Number of patients whom attended Well Adult Clinics from Lancaster ...... 167
Communicable Disease Communicable Disease Reporting & Control
Nashoba’s Nursing Service & Environmental Health Department work together to meet the local Board of Health’s responsibilities under the law to do the following:
Investigate and control the spread of communicable diseases within Lancaster (MGL Chap111, Sec 6, 7, and 92-116). Nashoba works with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) in this area. Receive and process reports from physicians concerning cases of diseases “dangerous to the public health” as defined by MDPH (MGL Chap111, Sec6)
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Notify MDPH Division of Epidemiology and Immunization within 24 hours of receiving notice of any case “dangerous to the public health”. Receive reports and undertake follow-up as necessary regarding certain food borne and waterborne diseases and diseases being monitored by the MDPH. Receives reports, investigates and conducts follow-up on all incidences involving positive rabies results.
Number of Communicable Disease cases:
Investigated ...... 36
Confirmed ...... 18
Communicable Disease Number of Cases
Babesiosis ...... 1 Campylobacter ...... 1 Giardia ...... 2 Hepatitis C ...... 7 Influenza ...... 2 Lyme Disease ...... 2 Pertussis ...... 1
Health Promotion
Skilled Nursing ...... 26
Medical Social Services ...... 10
Volunteer ...... 56
Dental Health Department
Nashoba Program (Funded Through Environmental Assessment)
Examination, Cleaning & Fluoride - Grades K, 2 & 4
Students Eligible...... 201
Students Participating...... …107
Referred to Dentist...... 9
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Instruction - Grades K, 1 & 5
Number of Programs...... 10
COUNCIL ON AGING
It has been another exciting year for the Lancaster Council on Aging (COA) and for Lancaster Seniors
Overview In most Massachusetts towns and cities the Councils on Aging (COAs) are the community hub for social and support services to elders, families and caregivers in most Massachusetts towns. Lancaster is home to roughly 1583 seniors (those over 60) served by the COA. In addition we extend services to our neighbors and friends throughout the area. Our mission is to work to enhance the quality of life of Lancaster's seniors and their caregivers “The COA will strive to assist them, to the greatest extent possible, in maintaining dignity and independence in their role as full participants in the community through advocacy, programming, resources and education’. This intergenerational ‘family’ model works well, and in the end we serve many more than the 1583 senior residents.
The COA works in conjunction with other local, regional and state agencies, both public and private, including The Central Massachusetts Area on Aging, the Lancaster Board of Health, WHEAT and Montachusett Opportunity Council and SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders). To deliver services. We offered a variety of counseling through our partnerships, including Fuel Assistance, Food Stamps (SNAP), legal advice, and health insurance counseling. Montachusett Home Care Corporation provided services to Lancaster seniors, such as home maker services, meals, personal care hours, case manager visits, and nursing home Ombudsman visits, and other essential services. We worked with other departments to provide access to services, and complementary programming, such as health clinics and home repair programs.
The COA Board The Council on Aging is managed by a seven person board who establishes policy which is administered through a team of staff and volunteers. The seven person COA board is appointed by the Selectman. Appointed COA members for 2014 were Chair Michele Macdonald, Mary J. MacLean, Eileen McRell (Secretary), Nicole Kanis, Frank MacGrory, Joe Mule’ (Library Director), and Jo-Agnes Santangelo. . In December the board was joined by Michelle Jones. The
47 dedicated and active board members volunteer their time to develop policies, supports events, and advocate for the mission of the COA. The board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 in the Senior Center, though meeting dates may change depending on vacations and other issues. Meetings are posted on the town website, or call the office to confirm the date.
Personnel Alexandra or ‘Alix’ Turner serves as Director. Maribeth Eugene continues her work as Assistant and Dispatcher. In addition to office staff the COA partners with MART to provide transportation services for elders and the disabled. Joe Adshade served as our ‘senior’ senior driver until October. Eugene “Geno” Brazeau continued his good work driving. We were joined by Ron Beckner, and Dave Nelson who rejoined the driving team late in the year. For special trips we are fortunate to have Will ‘Pete’ Dumont as well. We worked with ABLE, a senior job training program to train seniors for new jobs. In turn they provided us their service and made it possible for us to keep the Centers functioning.
We contract Montachusett Opportunity Council, (MOC) to run our lunch program. David James continues as our site manager or lunch coordinator. He serves lunch Monday-Thursday in the Center between 11:30 and 12:30 pm and on special occasions. In addition to working for MOC David donates many volunteer hours, and serves as president of Friends of the Council on Aging. Lunches could not be served without our dedicated volunteer lunch assistant, John Garofoli. He truly does an amazing job. Meals on Wheels are also provided by MOC and delivered with the assistance of dedicated volunteers, and staff in particular Jay Moody, Richard “Dick D’Agostino”, and Eric Lidstone. Maribeth Eugene also delivered meals.
Board Goals The Board’s directive for 2014 was to improve outreach, and increase use of the new Senior Center and to reach beyond the walls of the Center to provide services to seniors and their families who may not be familiar with our facility. To reach this goal staff and the board worked to develop more programs to serve the wider variety of seniors in Lancaster. We also worked to improve outreach through increased marketing and public relations. Many of the offerings extended to neighboring towns, and residents of all ages.
To support the strategy the COA continued to publish a newsletter, renamed “The Community Crier” to better identify the wide audience served. It was renamed from “Senior Moments” which was too ‘niched’. About 400 printed copies were distributed each month, at the Senior Center, Town Hall, Library and Post Office; and other locations. The newsletter is also posted on the town website. Approximately 500 people received email blasts of the full color newsletter, several people pay for subscriptions to cover mailing. The
48 newsletter contained notice of events, menus, articles, and items of general interest to a variety of ages. In addition to the newsletter the COA publicized news about programs and events in the local newspapers and on local cable, SLCTV.
We also worked with health care workers, public safety, our veteran’s agent and other resources to identify those in need of services. We then would visit them at home, or invite them to join us by meals of a note or personal call. COA outreach is most critical for home bound, handicapped or financially or mentally depressed residents. However, unlike most other cities and towns Lancaster COA has not been able to obtain funding for the position of an outreach worker. so outreach remains a high priority for the Council for 2015. .
Recurring Supports and We served lunch daily, Monday- Thursday in the Center. We also home deliver breakfasts and lunch to those who cannot get out of their home. Another popular meal was Tuesday morning Pancake Breakfasts, serving a low of 30 and high of 100 each week. We hosted special event meals which may be prepared in the COA kitchen, or alternately pot luck. In addition we had special meals, Thanksgiving in conjunction with the First Church, the Fireman’s summer BBQs, fall BBQ, Souper Bowl Party and more. We maintained an active loaner program for durable medical equipment. As ‘new’ equipment of all types is donated, maintained and stored here to be loaned free of charge to those that need it. We have a variety of equipment from canes and walkers, to shower seats, wheel chairs, geri- chairs and occasionally hospital beds. This was used by many residents who needed short term loan of equipment while recovering from injuries, surgeries, or hosting ill family. We held monthly health clinics, the first Tuesday and third Wednesday of each month. Tamara Bedard visited to answer questions and do basic assessments. We also offered specialized clinics, such as flu shot clinics, and vision clinics and more. We held a series of cooking classes, ‘Cooking with Laura’ was created by the COA and became a popular cooperative show taped by SLCTV for all to enjoy. Those in the studio audience were able to enjoy tastings as well. We expanded our Intergenerational Community Garden, thanks to our friends at Growing places. And help from local businesses Clear Summit and Boucher Construction, and wonderful beds built by students at Minutemen School. Our gardens are quite prolific, and living proof the adage ‘many hands light work’ is true. Bingo was held every Tuesday afternoon at 1 pm. Bridge remained popular Friday in the Center at 1:30 pm. Fitness classes were held, including Line Dancing, Strength and Weight Training, Zumba Gold, Gentle Yoga, and Tai Chi. We introduced the new and very popular Pickleball in the gym, held three days a week
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Programs 2014 Following are just a sampling of unique events held in 2014.
Final Friday’s Special Meals (TGIF) *Meals have been held on other Fridays as well depending on booking. We offered special meals designed to interest all and offer a healthy, social community meal.
January: Souper Bowl Party February: Valentine’s Day Dinner March Pot Luck April The Spring Fling, a dinner featuring entertainment with a live Jazz band, the Raizinz. June: Community BBQ July: The Fireman’s Chicken BBQ August: Ice Cream Social –Thanks to Kimball’s Farm! September: Locally Sourced Pot Luck October: Spooktacular Costume Party &Lunch and participated in the Halloween on the Green. November: Thanksgiving with Friends and Family Thanks to The First Church of Lancaster for yummy food and hosting, Henry Livergood for yummy gravy and cooking Also to the Lancaster Police Department, and Joe Mule , Edwin Burgwinkel , John McNally, Francine Moody, Kathy Lamb, for dessert judging December: Holiday Concert, A Celtic Holiday with Rose, Thorn and Fiddle and a sweets buffet Field trips were popular too; we visited a variety of destinations including
Chocolate and Coffee Tour: Toured and Tasted at the Taza Chocolate Factory, Spices in Watertown, Coffee Factory. A spectacular house tour at the Kenney’s. A garden tour to Edgar Watson and Tina Marcinziks Garden. The Boston Flower Show and Minuteman School Buffett Lunch Hammond Castle Gloucester tour, Seafood lunch and Tour of Rockport and the Port Trip to the PEM- Peabody Essex Museum and out to eat. Toured the special Faberge Exhibit, and the historic homes. Another DownEaster trip to Freeport for Holiday Shopping. Lots of fun! Trip to Sturbridge Village, Lunch at the Public House Consignment Crawl to Northborough and Hudson and a nice lunch Consignment Crawl to Worcester, Sterling and lunch with friends A Holiday Dinner out at JP’s for Lobster, followed by an evening at the theater to see Into The Woods at the Calliope Theater, and a light Tour to Tower Hill and the area
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We offered many more too! Some did not fill up, so please sign up next time if you see something you like.
Classes and Workshops were offered, including but not limited to the following sample. Jewelry Making Mosaic Fairy House Workshop Boxwood Tree Workshops Writing Classes with Don Drop in Painting Classes with Doc Frigolleto and Watercolor with Ron Beckner Cooking Classes with Laura Kryger and her daughter Laurie. Gardening class with Eugene “Peter” Christoph Fitness Classes- (just a sample) Tai Chi Gentle Yoga Zumba Gold Weight Training and Strengthening
Garden Build courtesy of The Clinton Item
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Tai Chi with Jeff Cote on the LCC Lawn Learning to Cup Coffee on the Beantown Tour. (A. Turner) Pictured L to R Judi MacLean, Donna Traylor, Photo by A Turner
COA Halloween Party - Eva Barney, Cheryl Cooking with Laura Taping Aubuchon, Dave Nelson, and Duncan Matt Downing on Camera, Macdonald (A. Turner) Laura Kryger and Laurie cooking (A. Turner)
Lectures and Seminars
We offered a variety of lectures and seminars throughout the year, many through collaborative efforts. There were a variety of programs designed to touch on issues important to seniors and the community at large, for example we hosted a lecture to demystify health insurance options, cooking lessons, a health and nutrition series, drawing lessons, floral arranging and more. These programs were made possible by many volunteers; for example, Gretchen Prudence, one of our most dedicated volunteers, logged hundreds of hours with ‘one on one’ insurance counseling followed by a seminar from the SHINE home office. We partnered with organizations and businesses to run lectures and provide services beginning and Apre Pancake Educational series, with representatives from Health Insurance Companies, Social Security, National Grid and more presenting.
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MART Van Lancaster COA has a long standing relationship with MART (Montachusett Regional Transit Authority). Through an assessment MART provides transportation services for seniors and disabled residents of Lancaster under the management of the COA. This service allows seniors who do not have other reasonable transportation alternatives to travel in town and to neighboring towns for a variety of services, including medical appointments, food shopping, errands such as the Post Office, pharmacy, town services, barber shops, etc. This service makes it easier for seniors to ‘age in home’ in a community that does not have other viable public transportation alternatives.
We experienced a sizeable increase in van rides; in 2011 we reported 4,037 individual trips. In 2012 we accounted for 4,985 trips despite instituting a reasonable fee schedule late summer of 2012. Rides to the Senior Center continue to be at no charge, 50 cents within Lancaster and $1.00 to neighboring towns. In 2013 we drove 5011 trips; in 2014 we made 5354 trips. In three years we have increased services to residents by 1,317 rides or by over 32.6 % or a third. For more information contact our transportation line 978 733 4076.
Nutrition and MOC Meals Montachusett Opportunity Council (MOC) Elder Services and the COA joined forces to serve meals over seven years ago. Since then meals have been served at the First Church, and then at Bigelow Gardens. In 2011 the meal program moved to the Senior Center shortly after it opened. Breakfasts: David James is best known as the quickest pancake flipper in the East. Pancake breakfasts were held every Tuesday from 8:30-10 am. For $2 guests enjoyed all the pancakes, eggs, orange juice, and sausage they could eat. Breakfasts are a great way to start the day and meet with friends or make come new ones. This popular tradition is expected to continue its growth, and is welcome to all. In 2014 our breakfast numbers grew, on average 50 people relaxed over pancakes each week during winter months, and up to 100+ during the summer. We served well over 3,100 breakfasts during 2014.
Lunch: The lunch program or ‘congregate meals’ continues to be managed by David James, with help from John Garofoli. In 2014 we served over 1,801 MOC lunches at the Center.
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch served at noon Monday-Thursday. Menus are posted on our website in our newsletter. Feel free to call the Center to reserve if you know you are coming, 978-733-1249 ext. 1103. Otherwise, please just stop in and try it out. Meals are free to all, though MOC suggests a $2.25 donation, if possible, to offset costs. MOC may be reached at 800-286-3441 for nutrition questions.
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MOC and Lancaster also run a Meals on Wheels program. Any senior who is restricted to home is eligible to have a hot lunch brought to their door Monday- Thursday. On Thursdays we offer chilled meals to last the weekend. These meals were served in cooperation with MOC and delivered by staff and volunteers. The COA would like to thank Jay Moody, Pam Laney, Arthur Joseph, and Dick D’Agostino and others for their delivery help in 2014. We delivered over 2014 (a coincidence) meals in 2014 to homes in Lancaster.
Nursing Through our assessment to Nashoba Board of Health the COA was supported by our town nurse, Tamara Bedard. Tamara works for Nashoba Nursing and Hospice Service. She hosts a Wellness Clinic at the Senior Center the first Tuesday and the third Wed of the month. Besides blood pressure screening she also offers glucose and cholesterol screening by appointment and provides annual flu and pneumonia shots. In conjunction with the D’Ambrosio Eye we also offered a vision clinic. This is a very popular service available to people of all ages in Lancaster. Tamara kept scheduled clinics at our housing authority property, Bigelow Gardens, once a month.
In 2014 Tamara visited multiple frail elders and worked with the COA personnel to provide services for them as needed. The town nurse and COA are often the first referral to many services, offering preventative services and occasionally helping those in crises. There is no charge for these services to the recipient, so no one should hesitate to call or visit. We welcome referrals. If there is someone you know who may need care, complete confidentiality is assured. In 2015 there are plans to expand health clinics and health care offerings.
Funding Funding for the COA comes from the town’s general fund, which pays for staff, a MART Assessment (restricted to van use only), a MOC assessment and a MHC assessment. The town also received state funding through the “Formula Grant” apportioned based on the population over 60 and administered by the Massachusetts Executive of Elder Affairs. The COA also receives grants for other services and programming. In addition many businesses provide support, including but not limited to Rota Spring Farm Kimball’s Farm, Rota Spring Farm, Mentor Flats Farm, Bob’s Turkey Farm, Shaws, Growing Places Garden Project, WHEAT, Fallon Health Care, United Health Care, Boucher Construction, Agway, and Clear Summit Many more local businesses and individuals have contributed money and services to the Friends of Lancaster Seniors to support projects of the COA and directly support seniors.
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Volunteers One of the most positive changes for 2014 was the increase in volunteers offering their services. There is a tremendous need for volunteers, and a wide array of job opportunities. These positions are interesting, fulfilling and help reduce the stress on the limited resources available. They are a great gift to the town, and the COA would like to thank everyone who volunteered in 2014. We cataloged a conservative estimate of 1,872 volunteer hours. If the town were to pay only minimum wage this would reflect a $16,848 savings in labor. Volunteers made a very generous gift to the town, and the COA would like to thank everyone who volunteered in 2014.
The Helping Hands Ministry from the College Church once again descended on us, and cooked and cleaned and really whipped us into shape. We also participated in the United Way’s Day of caring and accomplished a great deal, painting the elevator lobby and saving the town money that would otherwise have needed to be contracted out.
COA volunteers who logged over 20 hours of service were treated to a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Harvest Grille in Sterling. The Harvest was very generous to us, as was Steve Beckwith who entertained the group with his talents on the guitar and vocals. Hank Pasko generously donated zinnias as a token of appreciation. In short, it was a wonderful celebration to honor our hardworking volunteers.
In summary 2014 was an exciting year for us, with over 830 ‘regular’ seniors visiting the Center in 2014. We hope we can count on you to join us in 2015.
A Friendly Lunch (A. Turner)
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TAX REBATE PROGRAM
A collaborative program run by the COA and the Board of Assessors.
Lancaster accepted the state statute to grant abatements for real estate tax payers over sixty years old to have their property taxes reduced by volunteering their services to the municipality. A subsequent town meeting vote increased this to $1,000, the maximum currently allowed by law.
Credit for service cannot be at a rate higher than the state’s minimum wage. Minimum wage for 2014 was $8.00 an hour, translating to 125 hours a year per household. With $20,000 allocated and at the rate of $1,000 per participant, there was placement for twenty residents for calendar year 2014 (FY 2015). Senior workers provided the town with valuable services in many departments, from the raking and cutting for the DPW, to serving in the office of Public Safety and many of the town hall offices, and helping with events and cleaning at the Community Center and COA.
In 2014 administration of the program, such as payroll and time sheets remained in the Assessor’s office, the applications and placements were managed COA.
LANCASTER HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Lancaster Housing Authority 449 Main Street has seventy (70) one-bedroom
Elderly/Handicap units with roughly 355 square foot of living space. Each unit has a living room/kitchen combination, and one bedroom with a walk-in closet.
For the calendar year 2014 the Authority had seven (7) vacancies.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be 60 years or older, or handicapped. Effective August 9th, 2014 the income eligibility is $44,750.00 for one person and $51,150.00 for two.
There is no asset limit, however, total interest income from assets, stock, bonds, annuities, plus yearly income cannot exceed the above income limits.
The fair market rent for a one bedroom unit in this area is $818.00.
Our complex has thirteen non-elderly and eleven minority status residents.
Our oldest resident is 98.
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Recreational Activities:
Cards and Bingo are played in the Community Room every Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Puzzles are ongoing in the Community Room
The Community Room is available for tenant activities only
The Board of Commissioners is as follows:
Henry Richter, Chairperson
Daunne Miller, Vice-Chairperson
M. Judith MacLean, Treasurer
Frank MacGrory, Assistant Treasurer
Carol Sonia, State Appointee
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
2014 was a very active year for The Lancaster Commission on Disability (COD), highlighted by a ground-breaking initiative in October, which was officially proclaimed by the town as “Lancaster Accessibility Awareness Month”.
During 2014, the commission undertook projects, provided advice to town organizations, and carried out myriad tasks, all designed to support the goals of identifying problems and providing solutions for Lancaster residents with disabilities. The commission continues to strive to make the community more accessible to those who are mobility impaired and have disabilities.
The highlight of the year, and also a substantial 6-month effort on the behalf of the COD, was The Lancaster Accessibility Awareness Month program. Based on the COD’s draft and recommendations, the town officially proclaimed October as Accessibility Awareness Month at a Select Board Meeting on August 22nd. The Accessibility Awareness program was developed by the COD to create more exposure to all town citizens on the subject, with the ultimate goal in mind of helping disabled residents in Lancaster live more full and productive lives with dignity. To our knowledge, Lancaster is the first town in Massachusetts, or perhaps even any state or country, to officially proclaim an Accessibility
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Awareness Month. As such, the Lancaster COD has blazed a trail for a very worthy cause for not only the town, but also for other municipalities to follow.
Activities for Accessibility Awareness Month included an October 4th kick-off event on the town green at a COD booth that included a state-of-the-art accessible van, information, and public safety for the disabled was demonstrated by Lancaster EMT personnel. In addition, a “disability/ wheelchair walk” was conducted with town officials. Also during the month, an educational event was presented by the Nurse Carpenter of Solace RNovation at the Lancaster Public Library on October 22nd, and a month long accessibility-friendly challenge/ contest was issued to local businesses. The events were extensively covered by local and regional media, which in turn generated good exposure and awareness on the subject, to educate our community on the needs of people with disabilities. The COD worked extensively to plan, coordinate, execute and publicize the program, which we have deemed a first year success.
The COD in 2014 has indentified and contacted certain public establishments and businesses that needed to meet compliance per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Massachusetts Office on Disability requirements. In addition, the COD continues to expand outreach efforts to identify more extensively, businesses and public facilities in need of improvement and /or updates to meet the aforementioned compliance.
In 2014 the COD has monitored, worked with and advised town organizations on projects such as accessibility for the Lancaster Community Center (LCC), which installed an elevator that was completed in the fall. Other interface involved Thayer Field Recreation Campus Task Force for efforts to propose the Nathaniel Memorial Park, making recommendations regarding trails, skating rink etc, the proposed Pellechia Boat launch, and Bartlett Pond, among others. The COD also participated in and reviewed, a block grant proposal request to renovate the town beach in order to make it accessible per ADA compliance. The grant was prompted by recommendations the COD made in 2013 that the beach and facility be made accessible. Although the grant was declined, the COD will continue to advise the town to accelerate efforts to deploy ADA compliant solutions for the beach.
The COD also participated in the Lancaster Trail and Bikeway Coalition efforts, to observe and advise as needed, on trail accessibility per ADA and USDA park guidelines and/ or requirements, where applicable. During the fall, a COD member visited the US Fish & Wildlife Refuge in Hadley, MA to survey/study how the site was successfully designed and built with accessible trails. This information was presented to the Trail and Bikeway Coalition.
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The Lancaster COD, as evidenced by the aforementioned initiatives and work, is a vibrant commission that ultimately enhances the lives of residents and visitors, especially those with disabilities, at almost no cost due to the collective efforts of dedicated volunteers who staff the commission. In a state where over half of the communities do not even have an organized disability commission, Lancaster is playing a progressive role in this area that the town can be proud of.
Respectfully submitted
Michael S. McCue
Chairman, Lancaster COD
Accessibility Awareness Month. Photo credit by Commission on Disability
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OFFICE OF VETERAN’S SERVICES
The Veterans’ Services Office is located at Lancaster Community Center 695 Main Street, Suite 7. Regular office hours are held Wednesdays, and also by appointment if needed. To arrange an appointment please call 978-635-3326.
The purpose of the Veterans’ Services Department is to assist veterans and/or their dependents in procuring financial assistance, information and benefits to which they are entitled. These services/benefits are relative to vocational or other educational opportunities, medical care, compensation, pensions, burial allowance, grave markers and other benefits granted under existing State and Federal laws. The office of Veterans’ Services is a one-stop human services office with a top priority of providing services designed to improve the quality of life for every Veteran in Town, their families and surviving dependents.
I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to the Veterans of the Town of Lancaster and their dependents. Please do not hesitate to call the Veterans’ Office if you are in need of help. We are here to help you.
We ask that all Veterans of the Town of Lancaster provide this office with a copy of their DD214 (or equivalent proof of discharge) if you have not already. Having this on file will make for a smoother process if a Veteran or dependent needs to file for benefits. If you do not have a copy of your discharge documents I can help you obtain them. We are able to provide the financial assistance through the utilization of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 115 program. Seventy-five percent of these funds will be reimbursed to the Town by the State.
In closing, I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen and other Town Officials for their support during the past year.
Respectfully Submitted:
Veterans’ Services
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IV. OFFICE OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BOARD OF APPEALS
Calendar year 2014 proved to be a productive year for the Lancaster Board of Appeals. A wide range of activities occurred, ranging from variance and special permit applications to Chapter 40B comprehensive permit applications. The Board of Appeals reviewed several significant applications in 2014, the highlights of which are listed as follows:
Comprehensive Permits
CHAPA, Blue Heron Pond Development First right of refusal on 502 Blue Heron Drive
Voted Not to Purchase: 4/24/14
Grand Oaks, LLC, Grand Oaks Development, off of High Street Extension Comprehensive Permit for (16) townhouse rental units
Approved: 10/8/14
Blue Heron Pond, LLC, Blue Heron Pond Development, off of High Street Extension Amendment to Comprehensive Permit to void Amendments 7, 8 and 9; designate open space parcels; and finalize list of affordable units
Approved: 11/20/14
Variances / Special Permits / Other Zoning Relief
Ahmad Mekkaoui, Main Street Auto, 214 Main Street Variance or other zoning relief pursuant to Sections 220-27 (C) (Signs and Illumination), 220-29 (B) (Freestanding signs), 220-13 (B, C) (Setbacks and corner clearance)
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Approved: 1/23/14
Mark Gionet, 28-30 Harvard Road Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-51 (Non-conforming buildings) and Section 220-53 (Non-conforming lots)
Approved as a Section 6 Finding: 4/24/14
Albert Ira Gould, 1357 North Main Street Variance or other zoning relief pursuant to Section 220-11 (A) (Yard dimensions – front yard setback) and Section 220-11 (B) (Yard dimensions – side and rear yard setback)
Approved as an Amendment to the Special Permit (June 2006): 4/24/14
Daniel Favreau, 250 Ponakin Road Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-9 (G) (Accessory apartment)
Approved: 7/24/14
Roseanna Stanley, 405 Goss Lane Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-8.1 (A, B) (Single-family detached dwelling, Two-family dwelling) and Section 220-9 (G) (Accessory apartment)
Approved: 8/28/14
Marjorie Corbley, 113 Sterling Road Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-9 (G) (Accessory apartment)
Approved: 8/28/14
John and Linda Parsons, 172 Sterling Road Special Permit pursuant to Sections 220-8.6 (C, E) (Structures for storage and distribution of goods, supplies, equipment and machinery; Open storage facilities for lumber, stone, brick, gravel, cement or other bulk materials and contractor’s yards)
Withdrawn without prejudice: 9/25/14
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Cumberland Farms, Inc., 94 Main Street Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-8.5 (C) (Gas station/retail store), Section 220-51 (Non-conforming buildings) and Section 220-53 (Non- conforming lots)
Approved: 9/25/14
Cumberland Farms, Inc., 94 Main Street Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-27-31 (Signs and illumination)
Approved: 10/23/14
Ford Ogden, 0 Harvard Road Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-8.2 (B) (Keeping of poultry or livestock)
Approved: 11/20/14
Clean Energy Collective, 582 George Hill Road, Proposed Lots 10 and 11 Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-8.4 (A) (Underground or overhead communications, gas, electrical, sewerage, drainage, water, traffic, fire, and police system services, appurtenant equipment, and installations)
Application Not Accepted: 11/20/14
Appeals
None submitted.
Other Business
In January 2014, the Board re-organized and re-elected Scott Miller as Chair, Robert Marshall as Vice-Chair and Francis Sullivan as Clerk.
A new alternate member, Mark Eaton, was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in 2014, replacing the seat held by John Parsons who resigned in 2013. The Board welcomes Mark to the Board of Appeals.
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In November 2014, Vice-Chair Robert Marshall and Member Eugene Christoph stepped down. The Board thanks them for their years of service to the Town and to the Board.
In September 2014, the Community Development and Planning and Board of Health offices welcomed our new Administrative Assistant and Office Manager, Heather Hampson. Heather brings a wealth of municipal administrative experience to the Town. She has recently worked as an Administrative Assistant in the towns of Maynard, Shirley and Littleton supporting the Conservation Commission, Board of Appeals, Board of Health and Building department.
The Lancaster Board of Appeals is an eight-member appointed board whose charge is to ensure compliance with a wide array of land use and zoning regulations in Lancaster. The Board of Appeals meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Lancaster Community Center. All citizens are welcome to join the Board for these meetings and public involvement is always encouraged.
The Community Development and Planning office coordinates all meeting schedules and is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, this office welcomes citizen’s questions, comments or suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at 978-365-3326 x1311, [email protected] or [email protected]. The Board acknowledges the professionalism and support offered by the Community Development and Planning office in completing this year’s work.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Miller, Chair
Francis Sullivan, Clerk, Alternate Member
David Stadtherr
Sarah Gulliver
Jeanne Rich, Alternate Member
Mark Eaton, Alternate Member
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PLANNING BOARD
Calendar year 2014 proved to be an extremely productive year for the Lancaster Planning Board. During the course of the Board’s 20 meetings, a wide range of activities occurred ranging from site plan reviews, stormwater management reviews, special permit reviews, ANR plan reviews, as well as a major re-zoning project and other zoning amendments. The Planning Board reviewed several significant applications in 2014, the highlights of which are listed below:
Subdivision Plans
McGovern Place Preliminary Subdivision Plan, off of Lunenburg Road Preliminary Subdivision Plan Approved: 1/27/14
McGovern Place Definitive Subdivision Plan, off of Lunenburg Road Definitive Subdivision Plan Approved: 2/24/14
Eagle Ridge Subdivision, off of Sterling Road Project Reviews were held on: 6/9/14
Poras Realty Trust Subdivision Preliminary Subdivision Plan Approved: 11/10/14
There were continued reviews and inspections at several sites that were approved in previous years, including:
Eagle Ridge Subdivision, off of Sterling Road Devonshire Estates Subdivision, Devonshire Way
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Site Plans
Agway, Lunenburg Road Amended site plan for store relocation
Approved: 1/27/14
Shirley Road Solar Facility, Shirley Road Amended site plan for construction schedule
Approved: 2/24/14
Agway, Lunenburg Road Amended site plan for outdoor storage and landscaping
Approved: 4/14/14
J.B. Hunt Transportation, Lunenburg Shirley Road Site plan for office building and parking areas
Approved: 6/23/14
J.B. Hunt Transportation, Lunenburg Road Amended site plan for hours of operation and traffic mitigation
Approved: 7/14/14
North Lancaster LLC, Lunenburg Road Amended site plan for FC Stars soccer field complex – change in sidewalk composition
Approved: 7/14/14
North Lancaster LLC, Lunenburg Road Amended site plan for FC Stars soccer field complex – hours of lighting operation
Approved: 11/24/14
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Kalon Farms, Seven Bridge Road Amended site plan for change in business
Approved: 12/22/14
Clean Energy Collective, George Hill Road Site plan for solar array facility
Status: Continued into 2015
Cumberland Farms, Main Street Site plan for relocation of gas station/retail store
Status: Continued into 2015
EDF Renewable Energy, Shirley Road Amended site plan for fencing
Approved: 12/22/14
There were continued reviews and inspections at sites that were approved in previous years, including:
FC Stars soccer facility, off of Lunenburg Road Shirley Road solar facility, Shirley Road Brockelman Road solar facility, Brockelman Road
Special Permits
Graves Construction, Fort Pond Road Special Permit for Outdoor Storage
Approved: 3/24/14
Stormwater Management Permits
Clean Energy Collective, George Hill Road Stormwater Management Permit
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Status: Continued into 2015
Cumberland Farms, Main Street Stormwater Management Permit
Status: Continued into 2015
Approval Not Required (ANR) Plans
James and Kimberly Lavallee 222 Bolton Road, 2 building lots
Approved: 7/28/14
Marjorie Corbley 113 Sterling Road, 2 building lots Approved: 8/25/14
Daniel Florio 0 Shirley Road, 2 building lots
Approved: 10/20/14
Donald Siver 582 George Hill Road, 2 building lots
Approved: 11/10/14
Donald Siver 582 George Hill Road, 2 building lots Approved: 12/22/14
As-Built Plans
Shirley Road Solar Array facility, Shirley Road
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61 (A, B) Option to Purchase Land
None submitted in 2014.
Road Acceptance / Discontinuation
None submitted in 2014.
Transportation Projects
Intersection Remodeling at Five Corners – proposed merger of Bolton Road and Centerbridge Road, in FY13 Regional Transportation Improvement Plan Project Completion: September 2014
Zoning Bylaw Amendments
Adoption of Neighborhood Business (NB) Zoning District at Five Corners
Elimination of the Highway Business (HB) Zoning District
Reconfiguration of Light Industry (LI) Zoning District
Approved at Town Meeting: 5/5/14
Adoption of Medical Marijuana Overlay District (MMOD) Approved at Town Meeting: 5/5/14
Other Business
In June 2014, the Board re-organized and re-elected Jeanne Rich as Chair, Francis Sullivan as Vice-Chair and Philip Lawler as Clerk.
In September, it was with great pleasure that the Community Development and Planning and Board of Health offices welcomed our new Administrative Assistant and Office Manager, Heather Hampson. Heather brings a wealth of municipal administrative experience to the Town. She has recently worked as an Administrative Assistant in the towns of Maynard, Shirley and Littleton supporting the Conservation Commission, Board of Appeals, Board of Health and Building department.
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Master Planning
The Board continued to carry out the implementation of the ten-year roll-out plan that will amend our zoning bylaws and create new programs in the areas of land use, economic development, housing, transportation, open space and natural resources, recreation and historic preservation. It is the vision of the Board to treat the Master Plan as a working document and a blueprint for planning.
In 2014, the Planning Director partnered with the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission to introduce the third phase of the Zoning District Study. This phase will propose to introduce two new Village Districts (Center Village and South Village), and to create the appropriate uses in each district. Several public information sessions and public hearings were held in 2014 to educate residents, business owners and land owners on the proposal, have a dialogue on the options, and solicit input that will be incorporated into the final plan. The final zoning package will be voted on at the Annual Town Meeting in May 2015.
Tech Team
Under the direction of the Planning Director, cross-communications between the Planning Board and other departments and boards in the community have improved with the introduction of the Tech Team. The Tech Team is comprised of representatives from several town boards, commissions and departments and meets monthly to review projects that come before the Planning Board and provide critical comment from their various perspectives. This feedback is directed back to the applicant and incorporated into the plans so that the final product is a useful and supportable project for the Town.
Montachusett Regional Planning Commission
The Board continues to work closely with the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) who is chartered to carry out comprehensive regional planning. MRPC is a Regional Planning Agency (RPA) that was created by and is responsible to its 22 member municipalities. MRPC offers technical and professional services to its members, including planning in the areas of community development, economic development, transportation, housing, environment, and geographic information
70 systems. Specifically, the Lancaster Planning Board has worked with MRPC on the following items this year:
- Regional transportation planning - Regional trail planning - Zoning District Study – Phases 1 and 3 - Lancaster Economic Development Plan - GIS mapping services
Victor Koivumaki is the current Chair of the MRPC and Lancaster representative from the Planning Board. Noreen Piazza (Planning Director) is the town’s representative to the Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee and on the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) as a regional representative for Lancaster, Clinton and Sterling. As Chair of MRPC, Victor Koivumaki is also a member of the MPO, which is responsible for approving projects in MRPC communities to be placed on the Massachusetts Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). We will continue to work very closely with MRPC to insure that Lancaster is well represented in our regional planning efforts.
Planning in 2015
The Board anticipates that 2015 will be equally as productive as the work of the Master Plan implementation continues. Village District zoning, along with continued development of the Route 2 and Route 70 business corridors will be foremost. The Board is also looking to create a new solar bylaw for the community.
The Planning Board wishes to thank the community and the Board of Selectmen for their continued and future support of the Board’s efforts to plan for the future enjoyment and well being of our community.
The Lancaster Planning Board is a five-member elected board whose charge is to ensure compliance with a wide array of land use regulations in Lancaster. The Planning Board meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7:00 PM in the Community Center. All citizens are welcome to join the Board for these meetings and public involvement is always encouraged.
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The Community Development and Planning office coordinates all meeting schedules and is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, this office welcomes citizen’s questions, comments or suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at 978-365-3326 x1311, [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information on planning issues in Lancaster, please visit us on the Town’s web site: www.ci.lancaster.ma.us.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne Rich, Chair
Francis Sullivan, Vice-Chair
Philip Lawler, Clerk
Victor Koivumaki
Tom Christopher
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
The primary function of the Conservation Commission is to ensure local-level compliance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, the Lancaster Wetlands Protection Bylaw, and issue decisions relating thereto for all development projects in Lancaster.
The two types of applications most often reviewed by the Commission for development projects are Requests for Determination of Applicability (RDA) and Notices of Intent (NOI). The Commission also performs other regulatory functions, per the Wetlands Protection Act, such as reviewing Resource Area Delineation (RAD) applications and Certificates of Compliance (COC) for completed projects, and issuing Enforcement Orders (EO) for those who are in violation of the Wetlands Protection Act or Bylaw.
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During the course of 2014, the Commission reviewed the following projects:
Filing Applicant Location Action Date
NOI Candy Shiveley 220 Fort Pond Road Approved 3/04/14
COC Sarah Dulong 2518 North Main Street Approved 3/04/14
COC STULF Corporation 640 Sterling Street Approved 3/18/14
NOI MA Department of Fish Ponakin Road Bridge Approved 4/15/14 & Game
RDA Town of Lancaster Community Center Approved 4/15/14
COC Borrego Solar Systems 267 Brockelman Road Approved 4/15/14
NOI Brooke Blew 100 South Meadow Approved 5/06/14 Road
NOI Shirley Water District Off Chisholm Trail Approved 6/03/14
RDA Michael Rivard 456 Langen Road Approved 6/03/14
COC Gina Fanelli 26 & 28 Perry Road Approved 6/03/14
COC Robert St. Jean 195 White Pond Road Approved 7/08/14
RDA Christopher Cannon 5 Oetman Way Approved 8/26/14
RDA Robert Marshall 186 Fort Pond Inn Road Approved 9/09/14
NOI Timothy Wortley 192 Fort Pond Inn Road Approved 9/23/14
COC Linda & Charles Patti 1 Fire Road #5 Approved 9/23/14
RDA Mark Rajotte 88 Devonshire Way Approved 10/21/14
RDA Mark Riendeau 31 Runaway Brook Road Approved 10/21/14
NOI Keith Rockel Ballard Hill Main Street Approved 10/21/14
RDA VCA Lancaster 456 High Street Approved 11/18/14 Extension
NOI #1 Clean Energy 582 George Hill Road Approved 12/09/14 Collective
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Filing Applicant Location Action Date
NOI #2 Clean Energy 582 George Hill Road Approved 12/09/14 Collective
RDA Linda Carlson 138 Fire Road #12 Approved 12/09/14
RDA Nicholas Kraszyk 71 Brian Road Approved 12/09/14
RDA Poras & Wienerwald II 122 Hilltop Road Approved 12/09/14 Realty Trusts
COC William O’Neil 106 Sterling Street Approved 12/09/14
Conservation Areas
The Commission is looking to the future of several of its conservation areas by developing master plans for each of these areas. A small team has been assigned to create the plan for each of the following areas in 2015:
Eagle Ridge Conservation Area – off of Mary Catherine Drive Runaway Brook Conservation Area – off of Runaway Brook Road Devonshire Estates Conservation Area – off of Devonshire Way Cook Conservation Area – off of Lunenburg Road Robert J. Frommer Conservation Area at Bartlett Pond – off of Rt. 117 (North Main Street) Pellechia Conservation Area and Canoe Launch – off of Lunenburg Road Winsor Heights Conservation Area – off of Winsor Road
The master plans will determine the best conservation and recreational use for each site, along with an implementation plan for bringing these uses to fruition.
Land Acquisition
In 2014, the Conservation Commission worked with the Open Space Committee and Town Forest Committee to assess the conservation value of all privately and publicly owned properties in the Town of Lancaster that are not currently protected from development under the provisions of Article 97 of the Massachusetts State Constitution. Public land is protected under Article 97 if is under the care and control of the Conservation Commission or a land conservation agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, such as the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) or Department of Fish & Game (DFG). Privately owned land receives Article 97 protection when it is placed under a Conservation Restriction held by the Conservation Commission, a State agency such as DCR or DFG, or a non-profit land trust.
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The collaboration by the Conservation Commission, Open Space Committee, and Town Forest Committee to assess the conservation value for all currently unprotected privately and publicly owned properties resulted in the creation of a comprehensive Parcel Protection List to use as a guide in prioritizing land protection efforts. In particular, very high importance has been given to the expansion of the existing conservation areas in the Town, most notably the Cook Conservation Area and the Lancaster Town Forest.
Voters at the 2014 Annual Town Meeting approved the expenditure of $60,000 to partner with the Lancaster Land Trust (LLT) to expand the Lancaster Town Forest through the protection of 17.85 acres of adjacent land. LLT will buy the land from the current owners using the proceeds from a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Conservation Partnership Grant, which will reimburse LLT 50% of the land acquisition cost. The funding approved by Town Meeting will go toward the purchase of a Conservation Restriction from LLT, to be held by the Conservation Commission, for the amount not covered by the Conservation Partnership Grant. As part of this project, Annual Town Meeting also approved the transfer to the Conservation Commission’s care and control, with the Town Forest Committee’s active management, 51.6 acres of existing Town-owned land adjacent to the Lancaster Town Forest. Hopefully, the future will hold many more successful land protection projects accomplished through such public-private partnerships.
Also, in October 2014, Special Town Meeting approved the transfer of two parcels of Town-owned of land, 37.6 acres total, to the care and control of the Conservation Commission. The two parcels consist of a portion of the former Durling property on Route 117, and a nearby parcel. The Conservation Commission gratefully accepted a generous donation of .20 acres of land off of Winsor Road from the Kilbourn family. This parcel is the location of the historically significant Rowlandson Rock, named after Mary Rowlandson, who was held there the first night after being captured by Native Americans in February, 1676 during what is now known as King Phillip’s War.
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BARTLETT POND DAM REMOVAL
The Bartlett Pond dam on Wekepeke Brook was removed in 2014, the culmination of several years of planning, permitting, and fundraising for the project. The Massachusetts Department of Dam Safety (DDS) had determined several years ago that the Bartlett Pond dam was in critical need of repair or removal by the Town of Lancaster, which, as the owner of the property, was responsible for the dam. After a thorough cost analysis of repair vs. removal options by the Town’s lead consultant PARE Engineering, it was agreed that removal would be much less expensive because the sediments that had accumulated behind the dam were generally free of toxins that would require removal and disposal. Also, the restoration of a free flowing brook would be of great ecological benefit.
Funded by a 20-year, interest-free loan in the amount of $116,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, work on removal of the dam began in early May and proceeded quickly. A representative from PARE was on site every day to monitor the progress of general contractor KBC, submit regular reports, and keep the Town informed in “real-time” as needed. On-site meetings were held weekly to review the current project status, answer questions, and address any issues of concern that had arisen.
The positive impact of the dam’s removal on wildlife habitat was apparent almost immediately. It was already known that Wekepeke Brook supported a breeding population of native brook trout upstream of the late dam and pond, but the latter two presented an insurmountable obstacle to the species’ expanding its range downstream. In June, barely five weeks after the start of work to remove the dam, a survey of the downstream stretch of Wekepeke, between its confluence with the Nashua River and the road crossing on Route 117, yielded 18 Brook Trout ranging in size from 57mm-231mm. Another 13 trout ranging in size from 47mm-176mm were found in the newly formed stream channel where the pond had previously existed. In the words of Richard Hartley, Fisheries Biologist for the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, these results are “a real feather in the cap of all those involved in the removal of the dam.”
A final review and site inspection of the work remains, to be done in the spring of 2015, before the Conservation Commission signs-off that all aspects of the project have been properly completed. Beyond that, the Commission will be looking at ways to create trail access to the 18+ acres of adjacent land the Commission controls to the south of the late dam.
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Other Business
In 2014, voters at Annual Town Meeting approved the establishment of a Conservation Trust Fund for use by the Conservation Commission. The Commission may expend from the Trust Fund for any conservation-related purpose such as land acquisition and associated due diligence, trail creation and maintenance, and wildlife studies. Town Meeting may authorize a direct appropriation to the Trust Fund, which can also accept proceeds from timber harvesting and gifts from individuals and organizations, among other sources of funding.
In July 2014, the Commission regretfully said goodbye to Administrative Assistant, Jeanette Galliardt, who resigned to take a position with another town. The Commission is grateful for the many years of fine administrative support Jeanette provided and wishes her well in her new position and all her future endeavors.
In September 2014, it is with great pleasure that the Commission welcomed our new Administrative Assistant, Heather Hampson. Heather brings a wealth of municipal administrative experience to the Town. She has recently worked as an Administrative Assistant in the towns of Maynard, Shirley and Littleton supporting the Conservation Commission, Board of Appeals, Board of Health and Building department.
What’s New for 2015
Some of the Commission’s upcoming activities in 2015 will include the continued conservation of open space properties, maintaining the conservation land throughout the town to provide a rural environment for the residents to enjoy, working with potential developers in seeking permanent conservation easements for path systems, and similar ideas for a variety of other conservation-oriented projects.
The Lancaster Conservation Commission is a seven-member appointed board, with associate members. The Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 PM at the Lancaster Community Center. Everyone is welcome to join the Commission for these meetings and public involvement is always encouraged.
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The Community Development and Planning Office coordinates all meeting schedules and is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, we welcome citizen’s questions, comments or suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at 978-365-3326 (David Koonce x1054 or Heather Hampson x1310), [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information on conservation issues in Lancaster, please visit us on the town’s web site: www.ci.lancaster.ma.us.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Rapoza, Chair
Tom Christopher, Vice-Chair
Peter Farmer
Ted Manning
Ruth Anderson
Nathan Stevens
James Lavallee
Tom Early, Associate Member
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
The mission of the Agricultural Commission is to preserve, revitalize and sustain the Lancaster agricultural industry and to promote agricultural-based economic opportunities.
The Commission shall develop a work plan to guide its activities. Such activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Shall serve as facilitators for encouraging the pursuit of agriculture in Lancaster 2. Shall promote agricultural-based economic opportunities in the Town 3. Shall act as advocates and educators on farming issues 4. Shall work for preservation of prime agricultural lands 5. Shall pursue all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community
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The Agricultural Commission developed/published an Agricultural Brochure. The Agricultural Commission promoted/supported a successful Farmer’s Market in 2014. The Agricultural Commission would like to thank Steve Piazza for his dedication and service to the Lancaster Farmer’s Market for the 2014 season. The Agricultural Commission assisted in developing a Farm to School Proposal. The Agricultural Commission printed and placed two new Right to Farm Signs in town. The Agricultural Commission's goal for 2015 is to continue to work on promoting Lancaster Agriculture and the Lancaster Farmer’s Market.
The Agricultural Commission is a five-member appointed board with up to two alternate members. The members that were appointed are:
David Kilbourn, Chair Peter Jakubowicz, Vice-Chair Susan Miner, Clerk/Treasurer Eric Jakubowicz Maria Moreira
The Agricultural Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Thayer Memorial Library. All citizens are welcome to join the Board for these meetings and public involvement is always encouraged.
Respectfully submitted,
David Kilbourn, Chair Peter Jakubowicz, Vice-Chair Susan Miner, Clerk/Treasurer Eric Jakubowicz Maria Moreira
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ENERGY COMMISSION
The Lancaster Energy Commission is a five-member board, with a charter to advise and make recommendations on energy use, energy monitoring and energy efficiency measures in the Town-owned facilities.
The Commission first started meeting in early 2010, and very quickly created a work plan for each of the Town’s facilities. They also worked with the Planning Director and Town Administrator on seeking the Green Community designation and applying for several grants that were made available as a result of the designation.
One of the criteria for becoming a Green Community is that the Town must reduce energy consumption by 20% over the next five years. To achieve this goal, the Commission has undertaken the following actions:
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (stimulus program) – received funding and installed two new heating systems at the Police Station and Central Fire Station, and a controller upgrade on the Library heating system.
Energy Audits – audits were completed for the Town Hall, Police Station, Fire Station and the three DPW buildings. Building envelope improvements have been recommended for all these facilities.
Green Communities Grant – received funding and completed the following energy efficiency measures:
- Installed lighting upgrades in most of the Town’s buildings.
- Installed two energy controller systems at the Town’s two well pumps.
- Installed new insulation and weatherization measures at the Town Hall, two DPW facilities and at the South Fire Station.
- Purchased an electric vehicle and electric vehicle docking station to replace the Inspectional Services/Assessor’s vehicle.
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- Installed new LED lighting at the Library.
- Installed new LED street lights.
Constructed a Town-owned Solar Array facility at the former landfill site on Lunenburg Road. See the Solectria web site for an up-to-the-hour accounting of our energy generation.
http://www.solrenview.com/SolrenView/mainFr.php?siteId=1549
Municipal Aggregation – the program was rolled out in 2012. The opt-in rate was 90% of the town’s residents that are now saving on their electricity rate compared with the rate from National Grid.
Solar Hot Water -- teamed up with Beam Engineering in 2013 to educate residents about the benefits of solar hot water systems. The "Lancaster Is Solar Hot!" program covered residential solar hot water technology, highlighted the financial incentives available for such systems, and facilitated the installation of systems at homes that make the best applications. The overarching goal of the program was to increase the knowledge and prevalence of residential solar hot water systems in Lancaster to assist the community in the transition to more financially and environmentally sustainable practices.
Fuel Management System – the Town is monitoring gasoline and diesel fuel consumption with a new fuel management system, called Fuel Master. This monitoring device has been installed in all of the Town’s vehicles and on the gas pumps and monitors the amount of fuel consumed by each vehicle.
Lancaster Energy Report – all of the Town’s energy usage for the last three years has been entered and monthly reports are now generated for analysis of energy consumption. Department heads and building supervisors now receive monthly reports showing their facility’s electricity, oil and propane usage and how it compares with the previous three years.
Last year, it was our goal to have measurable results in the reduction of electricity and fuels by the end of 2014. To date, we are at about 9% reduction in our overall consumption, which includes gasoline and diesel fuels and street lights. Even more measures will be rolled out this coming year.
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The Commission will continue to monitor each facility and vehicle and maintain a reporting system that will show fiscal savings, as well as a reduction in our carbon footprint.
The Commission will also provide education and outreach to the Town’s citizens. We have a page on the Town’s web site, and an educational video on the Town’s solar array facility are routinely broadcast on the local cable channel. There are also plans to host a series of energy forums.
The Energy Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Lancaster Town Hall. All citizens are welcome to join the Commission for these meetings and public involvement is always encouraged.
The Community Development and Planning office coordinates all meeting schedules and is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, this office welcomes citizen’s questions, comments or suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at 978-365-3326 x1311 or at [email protected].
For more information on Energy issues in Lancaster, please visit us on the Town’s web site: www.ci.lancaster.ma.us.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Atkinson, Chair
Jay Moody
Andrew Detsikas
Ted Manning
John Bowen
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V. PUBLIC SAFETY
LANCASTER POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF KEVIN D. LAMB
As I begin writing my first ever Town report for the Lancaster Police Department, I realize as I reflect upon 2014, how many changes have affected our department. With my recent appointment as your Acting Police Chief, came the appointment of Everett Moody to Sergeant, and also Patrick Mortimer to Detective. Although exciting and challenging, these changes come with our having to say goodbye to a man we have worked with for decades. On November 8th, Chief Kevin D. Lamb retired from the Lancaster Police Department after serving our community for over 40years. He began working here in Lancaster for the DPW back in the 1970’s. He was appointed as a Patrolman here on May 21, 1980. He worked his way through the ranks of Sergeant and became the Police Chief in 1996. He has been my
83 mentor during my entire 30 years of service in Town, and since my first day, taught me everything I know about law enforcement and how to police a community like Lancaster. Speaking on behalf of every member of the Police Department, I can truly say that he will be dearly missed. We all wish him a much deserved rest and a long time to experience everything in life that he enjoys.
FROM LEFT: JOHN MCNALLY, EVERETT MOODY, MARTIN GANNON, FRANCINE MOODY, PATRICK MORTIMER, EVERETT MOODY, CHIEF KEVIN D. LAMB, GARY HENDERSON, CHRISTINE DUGGAN, JAMES MCNAMARA, ANDREW SHAW, RONALD KNOLL, DOUGLAS DECESARE, JOHN O'MALLEY, STEVEN FIELDS, EDWIN BURGWINKEL, ERIC MCAVENE(KNEELING)
Two Thousand and Fourteen marks another very busy year for the police department. With 7485 calls for service coming into the Communications Center yearly, the patrol officers are answering just over twenty calls per day. With this kind of call volume, it leaves precious little time, with existing manpower, to address some of our traffic related
84 concerns. Restructuring and increasing the Department size has been discussed for several years with the Board of Selectmen and also the Finance Committee and further discussions are forthcoming. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of these boards, and also Town Administrator Ryan McNutt and Town Accountant Cheryl Gariepy, for all the time they have spent with me discussing our options and working on a viable plan to take your police department into the future.
Traffic continues to be one of our biggest concerns for our citizens. Last year we investigated 169 traffic accidents in Lancaster, up from 163 in 2013. January, as can be expected, has the most amounts of crashes. Our most dangerous intersections are Sterling Road @ Chace Hill Road, Langen Road @ N. Main Street, George Hill Road @ Main Street, and Harvard Road @ Seven Bridge Road. Prior to the last two years, 5 Corners intersection and Old Union @ Rt. 70 topped these lists. However with the newly constructed four corner intersection and the roundabout on Rt. 70, these intersections are not even in the top 5 for accidents.
You are most likely to be involved in a traffic accident in Lancaster on a Wednesday, and the highest amount of accidents occurred between 4-6pm. Although the age of operators varies drastically, the most frequent operators involved in crashes continues to be men between 46-60, and woman between 26-35 years of age. Statistically in Lancaster, new (teen) drivers make up a very small percentage of the traffic accidents we investigate. If you are the parent of a new driver, please continue to remind them every day, to not be distracted by cell phones while they operate a motor vehicle.
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Traffic enforcement is a constant concern for the police department. When not assisting citizens, this function is where a large amount of patrol time is dedicated. Nearly all of our patrol vehicles are equipped with both forward and rear mounted radar units which are constantly on, providing real time traffic speeds to the officer in the patrol car. The officers also have cruiser mounted laptop computers that can provide license status info, warrant checks, and insurance information at the touch of a button. Last year alone Lancaster Officers issued citations totaling over $15,000 in fines for motor vehicle civil infractions alone. We also logged over 624 traffic offenses where citations were issued to operators. One of the most prevalent traffic offenses we have in Lancaster is drivers who have had their right to operate revoked by the Registry, but they continue driving. This is where the benefit of cruiser computers is extremely helpful. Lancaster Officers stopped 123 of these offenders last year using our roadways. It is important to note, that of the 123 offenders, 5 were from Lancaster. The rest were non- residents driving through. In fact, when examining the written citations from Lancaster Officers, fewer than 2% were issued to Lancaster residents. Of all of our streets, Lunenburg Road still generates the highest amount of traffic offenses, with Saturday’s being the busiest day. As always, if you are experiencing excessive vehicle violations in your neighborhood, please keep us informed. It is the responsibility of everyone using our streets to keep them safe, and your police department will do everything in our power to ensure safe travel on our roadways.
We have found over the years of policing our community, that sometimes arrests are not cost effective. We can in many cases still enforce the laws effectively while also keeping officers on the street. For crimes that are generally victimless and do not constitute a breach of the peace, Lancaster Officers typically try to use the criminal summons process. This process yields the same result as an arrest; however it doesn’t keep an
86 officer tied up in the station processing booking paperwork. Sometimes an arrest can take over three hours to complete, and we still have to await court personnel to schedule bail reviews. In the year 2014, Lancaster Officers arrested 52 people and charged another 155 with criminal offenses using the summons process. We also applied for and received 15 arrest warrants for suspects and issued 17 emergency restraining orders to protect our residents while serving another 20 that have been issued through the courts. 2014 totals showed that Lancaster Officers filed over 30 (51A) reports to the Department of Children and Families to protect children in our community as well.
I would like to take this opportunity thank all of the members of the Lancaster Police Department who have their boots on the ground every day. I would also like to thank my Administrative Assistant Francine Moody for keeping everything running so efficiently. While being a wonderful community to police, it is not without inherent dangers. This past year has proven to be very challenging to law enforcement nationwide and the ripple effect from these incidents reaches down to every police officer.
LANCASTER POLICE CRUISER AT COMMUNITY DAY
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Your police department takes its service to this community very seriously. We have participated in several different public events last year and have conducted numerous tours of the Station for middle school students, cub scouts and girl scouts. We enjoy a great community spirit and embrace every opportunity to meet the people we serve. If you are a homeowner in Lancaster, please get a security system and place as many alarm system signs as you can on your property. House breaks continue to plague our community, and are one of the most troubling crimes we investigate. Also please be mindful of scams.
Web sites like Craig’s List are notorious for scammers prowling for victims. Remember also, the IRS will not call you and require payment over the phone. If you receive a call from an IRS agent telling you that you owe back taxes and the bill must be paid immediately, please hang up. This is a popular and elaborate scam that has trapped thousands of people.
In closing, I would like to thank the residents of Lancaster for their continued support in our efforts. I would like to especially thank all of those people who have stopped on the 90 degree days and offered our officers working on the street cold bottles of water. Or when the officers are working winter details and our residents drop off a hot chocolate or a coffee. It is moments like these that make us thankful for working in a community like Lancaster.
Acting Chief Edwin H. Burgwinkel
OFFICER JOHN MCNALLY TAKING A BREAK FROM TRAFFIC DUTY
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LANCASTER FIRE DEPARTMENT
All photos, Fire Department
This past year has been another busy year for the department with many changes. First I’d like to thank all the residents and other town departments for your support this year. I would also like to thank the residents for supporting and approving the purchase of a new fire engine that is currently being built and due to arrive in late spring, also for the new ambulance that is already in service, I would also like to thank the Zoning Board of Appeals for their contribution towards the new ambulance as well.
The biggest change in the department was the merging of the ambulance and fire department into one department last year, this went into effect on July 1, 2014; this has helped us to improve and increase our EMS
89 response and personnel. We had been working closely together and the merger went smoothly and working out better than planned. I thank Captain Everett Moody and the entire Ambulance staff for their willingness and patience’s during this. Through the merger we were able to go from 8 EMT’s to 22 EMT’s, this allowed us to break down into squads and run more efficiently.
The department over all experienced an increase in calls, with a total of 898 calls for service, 360 of them being fire related and 538 being medical related. We had a total of 20 fires reported to the State Fire marshal’s office. With 3 of them being residential fires, 1 outbuilding, 6 car fires, 10 outside fires. The total estimated dollar loss for these fires is about $500,000.00. The department also responded to several neighboring communities to provide mutual aid.
Training still remains a top priority for the department and more so as we cross train with EMS personnel. Over the past year we again had no physical injuries to firefighters or EMT’s at emergency scenes or training grounds.
The members again this year put in numerous hours working around the station and the grounds, you will notice the doors have been painted, and signs have been added to the doors at both stations indicating what equipment is in the bay, and new signs and landscape at both stations. I need to thank DPW superintendent Kevin Bartlett and his crew for their help with landscape and paving around the station. The inside of the South Station fire house is being worked on to help maintain this building for years
90 to come, and will continue this year, with painting, and upgrades to lights and such.
The department was involved in a few community events, reaching out to our seniors with a chicken BBQ, being part of the Winter Festival with a bon fire, and a fire prevention booth at the Bolton Fair, as well the firefighters association held their 2nd annual pasta dinner at the station.
As I completed my first year as chief I can look back and say it was a busy and challenging year and as I look forward to 2015, I will be looking for ways to reach out to the public more with senior safe program, fire prevention, and community outreach.
In closing I would like to thank the Board Of Selectmen, the Clerk’s office, building inspector Peter Munro, Captain Moody, and all of the firefighters and EMT’s, the DPW, Finance committee and all of the other town departments and employees for their help and support in making my first year as Fire Chief a successful one.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael J. Hanson
Fire Chief/ Emergency Director
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ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION
The Lancaster Animal Control Officer responded to the following calls in 2014.
Animal Complaint Number Dog Barking 3 Found 48 Hit by vehicle 2 Loose 69 Neglected 11 Reported Missing 33 Advice wanted 3 Vicious 1 Out of town calls 9 Complaints of violation bylaw 5b failure to clean 6 up solid waste/leash law Cat Deceased 12 Reported missing 8 Total all other calls 31 Livestock Total various livestock calls 8 Numerous calls for loose goats Parrots 2 Homing Pigeons 2 Wildlife 57 Cattle 90 Equine 91 Goats 49 Llamas/Alpacas 4 Poultry 855 Rabbits 16 Sheep 38 Swine 31 Other 2
10 Day Quarantines: Dog bite to human 8 Dog bite to another dog 2 Cat bite to human 1 Pig Bite to human 1 45 Day Quarantines: Cat with wounds of unknown origin (current rabies vaccination) 2 Dog with wounds of unknown origin (current rabies vaccination) 1 6 Month Quarantines: Cat with wounds of unknown origin (no current rabies vaccination) 4
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ANIMAL INSPECTOR – BARN BOOK
Picture 1: Setting traps for loose goats
Picture 2: Boar on Main Street
Both pictures by Phyllis Tower
ANIMAL 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Residences 65 66 56 49 45 40 Cattle 90 85 105 180 242 225 Equine 91 105 112 108 120 118 Goats 49 71 69 29 15 47 Llamas/Alpacas 4 2 2 2 0 0 Poultry 855 948 867 801 770 896 Rabbits 16 12 21 13 20 15 Sheep 38 66 49 16 0 20 Swine 31 17 37 8 14 11 Other 4 1 5 19 35 26
Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a member of our Commission!
Respectfully submitted,
Animal Control Commission Members
Stephanie S. Frommer, Chair Erin M. DeCoste, Clerk Janice H. Johnson Joyce E. Moody Kelly E. Quill Philip Keating
Animal Control Officer, Phyllis Tower
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VI. OFFICE OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectman:
The following is a report of the activities of the Building Department for the calendar year 2014.
Purpose of Building Permit Number of Permits Construction Value
Residential One Family Dwelling 9 $ 8,212,950.80 Two Family Dwelling 1 $ 250,000.00 Multi-Family 0 $ - Solar Arrays 44 $ 8,791,521.50 Woodstoves/Pellets 29 $ 83,503.00 Alterations 143 $ 2,053,757.59 Miscellaneous 29 $ 192,795.31
TOTAL 255 $ 19,584,528.20
Feeds Collected in 2015 Building Permits 255 $ 173,212.08 Trench Permits 2 $ 60.00 Plumbing/Gas Permits 188 $ 20,635.00 Wiring Permits 200 $ 18,252.68 Weights and Measures 7 $ 1,055.00 652 $ 213,214.76 The purpose of the Massachusetts State Building Code is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. The Building Official is authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The Building Official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the applications
94 of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in conformance with the intent and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
There were 255 Building Permits issued in 2014. This indicates a small increase from last year, but there has been an increase in construction value. There has been an increase in solar projects from last year, which is a good sign of smart energy use. Some of these solar projects have been constructed on large parcels of acreage. This gives the owners of the properties an optional use for their land, which is very good for the land owners, but challenging to developers seeking tracts of land for future developments.
I believe if landowners continue this type of land management, you will see a noticeable decrease in subdivisions and construction of single family homes. This, recent type of construction should be monitored closely. This may be all in good for the landowner, but it could change how the local economy reacts to the absence of several construction workers and potential families doing business in Town on a long term daily basis.
The citizens, of Lancaster, should be aware that a building permit, must be obtained prior to any construction, alteration, repair, demolition or to change the use or occupancy of a building. There is a penalty to pay if observed working without the proper permits. Such as (plumbing, gas, electrical, trench, and fire department).The Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR and local Zoning By-Laws will be strictly enforced. Homeowners must also be reminded to take advantage of the invaluable low cost of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Residents should be advised that if there are any questions regarding the permit process to please call the Building Department.
Thanks to all the local departments for their cooperation and continued solidarity, also thanks to the various boards and commissions, in the building permit process.
It is with great pleasure that I may serve the Town of Lancaster citizens.
Respectfully submitted
Peter M. Munro Building Official / Zoning enforcement Officer
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PLUMBING AND GAS INSPECTOR
The purpose of the plumbing and gas code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of plumbing equipment and systems.
There were a combined number of plumbing and gas permits acquired 200 for a total fee of $20,635.00
Plumbing and Gas Inspector
Tom Soldi
ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
Any addition or alteration to a new or existing electrical system shall be in conformance with the current Massachusetts Electrical Code. Please contact your local Wiring Inspector for any questions.
There were a total of 200 wiring permits acquired for 2014. The amount was $18,252.68
Electrical Inspector
Alfred (Bud) Roberts
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SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
During the past year this Department has ensured equity and fairness in the market place for both the consumer and merchant while fulfilling the requirements mandated by the Massachusetts State Laws. This was accomplished by inspecting, testing accuracy, adjusting when necessary and sealing all weights and measuring devices used for commercial sales throughout the Town of Lancaster.
Users of sealable weighing and measuring devices were charged $1,055.00 in fees.
I wish to thank all of the Town Officials who have supported this department during the past year.
Respectfully Submitted
Ronald Valinski
Sealer of Weights and Measures
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VII. PUBLIC WORKS
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
First I would like to recognize the Lancaster Board of Public Works for the year as follows, Chairman, John King Jr; Clerk, Theodore Manning; and Member, Douglas DeCesare.
I am pleased to be submitting my first ever report for the Town of Lancaster Annual Report. I have been employed by the Town of Lancaster D.P.W. for over 11 years, as I start my first year as Superintendent for the D.P.W., I look forward to working alongside all Departments and Commissions within the Town, to keep in a forward motion and improving the Towns Infrastructure.
I would like to thank and recognize all of our nine Full-Time Employees, who in the past eight months have been very welcoming in my transition as Superintendent. They all have shown and delivered a great amount of dedication to the Town of Lancaster over the years.
Administrative Assistant Marianne Notaro
Water Division: Water Foreman Robert Pelletier; Richard Marlow; Shawn MacLeod
Highway Division: Highway Foreman Scott MacDonald; Steve Jones; Stephen Lucht
Cemetery and Tree Division: Cemetery Foreman Larrie Knoll; Paul Normandin
The D.P.W. had another busy winter last year with record amounts of snow fall, with a limited full time staff, I would like to recognize and thank all of our “temporary Drivers” that are always willing to come in any time to help keep the roads clear of snow and ice, they are greatly appreciated. Robert Wilmont, Gary Baird, Eric Jacobowitz, Bill Culter, James Laite, Lars Johnson, Bob Jones, Steve Lucht, and Joey Arsenault.
I would like to thank the Town and the residents for supporting and approving the purchase of a new half ton pick up to replace the 2001 Ford cruiser used by past Superintendents, at the special Town Meeting in October. With this new truck in place, it is a very good resource when the D.P.W. needs to work alongside with the Emergency Management for the Town.
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In closing I would like to thank Retired Police Chief Kevin Lamb for all the years he had worked as a plow operator for the D.P.W., as well in helping me in my transition as Superintendent, I would like to wish him a very well deserved retirement. Also I would like to recognize Interim Police Chief Burgwinkel, Fire Chief Hanson, thank you both for your help and dedication to the town and am looking forward in keeping our work relationship a priority. To the Finance Director, Finance Committee and all the Town Hall Employees, the Board of Selectman thank you all very much for your help as well. I would like to thank the Board of Public Works, for giving me the opportunity to serve under them.
Respectfully Submitted, Kevin A. Bartlett Superintendent, Lancaster D.P.W.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The Highway Department did not submit a report for 2014.
CEMETERY AND TREE DIVISION
The Cemetery and Tree Division did not submit a report for 2014.
WATER DIVISION
For the year 2014 the Department pumped 204,084,000 million gallons of water. The Dept. took 183 bacteria samples at various Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (M.D.E.P.) Drinking Water Program approved sights. There were also 6 samples taken for various water quality reports mandated by M.D.E.P. This past year we worked with the Contactor at the 5 corners intersection project with the installation of new water pipe connecting to our transmission main from our wells. This past year we did have 5 samples tested positive of bacteria taken at the # 1 storage tank on Winsor road, as a result we worked with our engineer and drained this tank to have it cleaned. While the tank was drained measurements were taken for a mixing system to be installed, this would allow the water to be mixed as the tank was getting filled to eliminate stagnate water in the tank. This process will entail draining the tank again this spring for the installation of the mixing system. Since the cleaning of the tank and level controls at the tank the bacteria results have been clean. The Water Dept. is very sorry for any inconvenience these test results have caused to our customers. All the other 11 monthly test sites were absent to bacteria results
99 during this time. If there are any questions on this tank issue please call I or Superintendent Kevin Bartlett @ 978-365-2412.
I would like to thank the residents and the Fire Department for their assistance clearing the Fire Hydrants of snow after some very challenging snow storms this past winter. (THANK YOU )As always I ask for your help in conserving on outside water in the coming year
Respectfully submitted
Robert Pelletier
Water Foreman
DEVENS REGIONAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS
PRODUCTS COLLECTION CENTER
Fiscal Year 2014 the Devens Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center generated an operating net surplus of $20,727. The surplus was a result of operating Revenues of $78,030 versus Operating Expenses of $57,302.
Revenues
Revenues were comprised of Annual Memberships ($40,611), User Fees ($37,419) and Interest Income ($6). Non–operating revenues of $4,217 are shown as a memo item but not included in operations results.
Operating Expenses
The major components of expenses were for Professional Services from Clean Harbors which were composed of Waste Disposal ($25,361) and Chemist ($7,230), Depreciation of equipment and infrastructure ($6,808), Program Management ($10,750) and Insurances ($7,129).
Metrics (FY14 vs. FY13)
Member residents served were 813 vs 681, a 19.4% increase. They constructively disposed of 46,376 vs 42,555 pounds of Household Hazardous Products, a 9% increase. The cost of this disposal a price per pound came to: $1.38 as opposed to if member towns did one-day collection events the price per pound would have been: $2.15. This generated a savings of $35,000.
Program Features
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Residents and small businesses enjoyed the opportunity to properly dispose of their toxic waste safely and easily at the Devens Regional Household Hazardous Products Collection Center, also known as DevesHHW. There were nineteen collection days that appropriately and securely collected household hazardous waste such as unused cleaners, leftover paints, pool chemicals, and fluorescent bulbs.
The DevensHHW service also resulted in additional protection to our drinking water supplies. The program was so well received that the town of Ashby joined July 1 and other communities have called to find out how they may join. Average wait times were 3 minutes, so it is an easy in and easy out operation. The center is open for customers on the first Wednesday and following Saturday from 9 to noon from March to December. It is located behind 9 Cook Street. More information is available at www.DevensHHW.com or by calling 978-501-3943.
This regional service makes it easier for residents of Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Shirley and Townsend to properly manage household toxic waste. In addition the Collection Center is also available to businesses that do not exceed DEP’s threshold for Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) and generate less than 220 pounds (approximately 27 gallons) of ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, or hazardous waste or waste oil per month and no acutely hazardous waste.
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Ballet Arts Worcester “Gwendoyn Goes to Hollywood” Program, Photo credit Lisa D’Ambrosio
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VIII. CULTURE AND RECREATION
TRUSTEES OF THE THAYER MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Chair: Emily J. Rose
Vice-Chair: Frank T. MacGrory
Secretary: Frank Streeter
Member: John Schumacher-Hardy
Member: Stephanne Fiori
Member: Stephen Piazza
DIRECTOR: Joseph J. Mulé
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/ADULT SERVICES Karen Silverthorn LIBRARIAN:
CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN: Susan Mello-Conroy
SENIOR LIBRARY TECHNICIAN: Linda Ledoux
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS ASSISTANT: Marcia L. Jakubowicz
LIBRARY TECHNICIAN: Janet Baylis
LIBRARY PAGE: Janet Baylis
LIBRARY PAGE: Lisa D’Ambrosio
LIBRARY PAGE: Dorothy McCandless
LIBRARY PAGE: Gail Prewandowski
LIBRARY PAGE: Jo Agnes Santangelo:
CUSTODIAN: Nancy Record
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Hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Two actresses, Lynne Moulton and Fran Baron, from The Delvina Theatre Company of the North Shore Ladies of the Evening, Photo credit Lisa D’Ambrosio
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Budget
In its 152nd year of free public library service to the citizens of Lancaster, the Thayer Memorial Library operated over two consecutive fiscal year budgets. From January to June, the Library operated on the final six months of FY14’s municipal appropriation. Likewise, from July to December, the Library operated on the first six months of FY15’s municipal appropriation. Table 1 illustrates the Library’s Total Appropriated Municipal Income (TAMI) for each fiscal year, affecting calendar year 2014.
TABLE 1
FY14 and FY15 Total Appropriated Municipal Income (TAMI)
Calendar Δ% from Fiscal Year TAMI Previous Year Months Fiscal Year
July FY14 through $303,377 Dec
Jan FY15 through $311,517 2.61% June
Factors affecting the Library’s TAMI in FY15 were largely a result of cost of living adjustments to wages and salaries and repairs to the building.
The Library met all budget-related requirements as outlined in 605 CMR 4.00: M.G.L. c. 78, ss.19A and 19B in FY14 and expects to do so in FY15 as well. As a result of meeting all of the Commonwealth’s requirements for public library service, the Thayer Memorial Library received a FY2014 State Award totaling $12,161, an increase of more than 2% from the previous year.
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Highlights of meeting the requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) over the course of fiscal year 2014 include:
Maintaining the Library’s Minimum Appropriation Requirement (MAR) funded by the Town for both fiscal years.
Sustaining 49 hours of public service per week.
Meeting the Materials Expenditure Requirement (MER) by spending at least 16% of the municipal appropriation on books and other media. In FY14, the Library managed a media budget of $58,947. Nearly 80% of FY14’s MER was funded using the municipal appropriation.
While the Library met all service standards established by Commonwealth statutes and regulations, it would not have been able to operate as it did throughout calendar 2014 without having augmented the Town’s municipal appropriations with non-appropriated or fee-based sources of income. Over calendar year 2014, the Library expended more than $37,749 in non-appropriated or fee-generated revenue.
STATE AID: The Library spent $10,065 of its State Aid income over calendar year 2014. Notable State Aid expenditures included purchasing computers & network services ($3,798), public events ($2,901), repairs, maintenance services & supplies ($924), office equipment & supplies ($659), books & other media for the general collection ($558), museum & special collections services ($471), human resource services & travel ($460), postage ($201) and, books & other media processing supplies ($93).
TRUST FUNDS: The Library spent $1,229 of Trust Fund income over calendar year 2014. Notable Trust Fund expenditures included purchasing museum & special collections services ($1,186), human resource services ($25) and, books & other media for the general collection ($19)
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REVOLVING FUND: The Library manages a revolving account used to collect fine, fax and copy service revenue to make targeted purchases. Notable revolving account expenditures included purchasing office equipment, supplies & services ($3,761), books & other media for the general collection ($,411), book & other media processing supplies ($1,167), museum & special collections services ($102) and, custodial supplies ($71).
GIFTS: The Library maintains several gift & endowment accounts established to accept donations from individuals, estates, and organizations. Over calendar year 2014, the Library spent $17,943 from its gift accounts. Notable purchases using gift revenue include providing public programs & events for patrons of all ages ($8,934), purchasing all museum & attraction passes ($5,215), acquiring books & other media for the general collection ($2,776), computers & network services ($663) and, human resource services ($355).
Attendance, Collections, & Use
Thayer Memorial Library remained a center for local information and activities in
2014. The Library provided a diverse selection of media choices to the public in multiple formats including electronic, print, and digital. In addition, programs and events continued to draw a variety of people of all ages interested in seeing live performances as well as to meet fellow patrons. Local groups, whether municipal or private, had twenty-four hour access to meeting spaces which held groups as big as 68 patrons. Finally, demand to access the Library’s Special Collections remained steady in spite of the very limited hours they were available to public.
The Museum was closed all year.
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At the end of December, the Library recorded 4,453 registered borrowers, or nearly 2/3 of Lancaster residents. The public continued to visit the Library with great frequency in 2014. In total nearly 54,450 patron visits were recorded.
The Library’s collection size continued to evolve and grow based on public demand. In 2014, the Library’s collection grew from 85,000 titles to more than 94,500 items, a jump of more than 11%. This growth was the direct result of adding more than 9,650 new downloadable titles (books, audio and video) to the overall collection. In total, downloadable content comprised more than 30% of the Library’s entire circulating collection.
The Library subscribed to 140 magazines and newspapers and received an additional 21 subscriptions as gifts. In addition – and thanks in large part goes to the Progin Foundation, the Friends of the Thayer Memorial Library, and the Rosemary Davis Memorial Fund of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation – the Library was able to subscribe to 20 museum and attraction passes.
Circulation counts remained relatively unchanged in 2014. The Library circulated more than 140,000 titles in all formats. In many cases the public actively utilized the Library’s inter-library loan program which brought media from other Commonwealth libraries to Lancaster to meet local demand.
Demand for downloadable content jumped more than 35% in 2014. However, overall use and popularity of these materials has yet to catch on. Less than 5% of all circulation transactions in 2014 were a result of patrons downloading titles. While demand for downloadable content is expected to continue growing, the Library shows no signs or evidence that demand for print materials is declining among users. Regardless of how the public acquired their library books, patron readership remained steady, and still accounted for roughly half of all total circulation activity.
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The Library provided a wide variety of programs for various age groups throughout the calendar year with continued financial support from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation Rosemary Davis Fund, George K. Progin Foundation, and The Friends of the Thayer Memorial Library. In total, the Library provided the community with 502 programs (117 youth/385 adult) that were attended by more than 5,100 patrons. Programs included a weekly story hour and screenings of currently released films.
In July the Library had the good fortune to host a lecture by Harvard professor and author Jill Lepore based on her recent publication Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin. The Library granted permission to Ms. Lepore to use its portrait (oil on canvas) by Joseph Badger of Jane Flagg Greene, Jane Franklin's granddaughter, as the cover of her work. The two Badger portraits were moved to the museum for display in time for this special event.
Ongoing interest groups available for patrons included multiple writing workshops, two book discussions, a knitting club, a Scrabble club and a LEGO Club. In 2014 Toastmasters International began holding weekly meetings at the Library for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. In addition civic and nonprofit groups actively used one of several conference rooms to meet and conduct business, with approximately 234 meetings held in 2014.
Over the course of calendar 2014, the Library provided public computers for Internet access and word processing and offered wireless Internet access throughout the building for patrons who brought their own wireless devices.
“Wolf Talk” presented by Michael
LeBlanc, Photo credit Lisa D’Ambrosio
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Administration & Operations
In addition to regular operations the Library undertook three significant initiatives which will positively affect services and building operations for years to come. Through the support of patrons the Library won a $15K award from National Grid in December 2013. With these funds the Library upgraded many of its lighting fixtures to non-incandescent sources and added motion sensors to lights throughout the building to reduce energy consumption. Secondly, substantial volunteer effort was devoted to restoring the Library’s Museum. Volunteers repaired and repainted the entire space, inventoried over 800 artifacts and began the process organizing and exhibiting materials in a coherent fashion. Finally, the Board of Trustees formally began a strategic planning process which it plans to finish sometime in the spring of 2015.
Donations, In-Kind Gifts, and Volunteers
Over the course of the year, the Library received more than $24,750 in gifts from the following people and organizations: Rosemary Davis Fund at the Greater Worcester Community Foundation; Inc. ($8,500); Friends of the Thayer Memorial Library ($6,000); Alan C. Nichols ($1,000); The Evander Lewis Family Foundation ($1,000); Lancaster Cultural Council ($500); Moms Club of Lancaster/Sterling ($200) Lancaster Garden Club ($150); Henry Bowden ($50); Julie Fay ($35); Stephen A. Roach ($20) and Herb Collins ($10). In addition nearly $9,000 was collected by the Library in memory of Lancaster resident Jack Pirozzolo who passed away in 2014.
The Board of Library Trustees also accepted a framed portrait of Luther Burbank given by Frank MacGrory and a one quart milk bottle from Tara Farm, J. H. Kilcoyne given by Gail Prewandowski.
The Library’s loyal corps of volunteers continued to play an invaluable role enhancing the ability of the staff to deliver high-quality service to patrons. In addition to adding new members to its volunteer ranks the library was
110 the recipient of more than 2,950 unpaid volunteer hours of service. Averaging more than 40 hours per week; volunteers saved Lancaster taxpayers more than $27,500 in wages.
Ken Gloss of the Brattle Book Shop: “The Value of Old and Rare Books”, Photo credit, Lisa D’Ambrosio
The Thayer Memorial Library volunteers include: Sarah Abare, Gabe Barbosa, Emily Bond, Pat Buchovecky, Samrat Clements, Lisa D’Ambrosio, A. J. DeChambeau, Kevin Doyle, Marie Espinola, Teresa Feudo, Grace Fiori, Johanna Graber, Susan Hurley, Elaine Jewett, Bob Kadlec, Susan Kadlec, Mike Kaulback, Caroline Ketchum, Ceil Kirby, Brandon Leclair, Cathy Lord, Michele MacDonald, Nathan Madden, Monica McCarter, Roy McCoy, Barbara Meyers, Sandi Nowicki, Adrian, Ordung, Rich Ordung, Marilyn Pagé, Susan Polansky, Gail Prewandowski, Judith Riotta, Anna Rogich, Irene Roper, John Roper, Emily Rose, JoAgnes Santangelo, Mary R. Sawyer, Bob Silverthorn, Karen Silverthorn, Cecilia Thurlow, Jacob Von Linden and, Melissa Walker
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Gifts in-kind were received from many benefactors; and the Library wishes to recognize the following people and organizations for their services: 7 Bridge Writers Collaborative, Dick Belanger, Paula Castner, Corrective Chiropractic, Peter Christoph, College Church of Seventhday Adventist Camp Meeting Volunteers, Tyke Crowley, Kenneth Gloss, Bud Hawkins, LUK, Inc., Lancaster Commission on Disability, Lancaster Garden Club, Lancaster Girl Scouts, Susan Latimer, Steve Lechner, Paul Leone, Lilly the Hero Pit Bull Fund, Andrew Linnell, Cynthia Maxfield, North County Land Trust, Jean-Paul & Marilyn Pagé, Perkins School, Will Raymond, Rebecca Shoer, Angela Simms, South Lancaster Academy Volunteers, David Spanagel, Nova Styles , Toastmasters International, Cathy Weaver and, Judy Zmijak.
The Library continues to benefit from the services provided through the Town’s tax abatement program and wishes to thank those Lancaster residents who help this department meet its services goals.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph J. Mulé; Director
Dr. Jill Lepore’s Author Event “Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin”. Pictured: Jill Lepore, Joe Mule’, and Steve Piazza. Photo credit Lisa D’Ambrosio
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STERLING-LANCASTER COMMUNITY TELEVISION, INC. (SLCT)
The 2014 calendar year was productive and forward looking for the SLCT as we continued to mature our existing program offerings, upgrade our field camera equipment and maintain our commitment to quality coverage of governmental meetings.
SLCT finished its fifth year of operation and also entered into finalization of our renewal Agreement with both communities. New Agreements are anticipated to be completed and signed early in 2015 after being delayed for several months by dramatic and unforeseeable events in both Towns.
Recognizing that the cable industry is in transition at a national level, the SLCT Board of Directors wanted to assess our present operations in a comprehensive manner and plan for the future. Toward that end, SLCT has contracted with Sean Roberts Associates of Newton to do a top-to- bottom assessment of the organization and provide recommended changes and guidance for future endeavors. In part, the anticipated results will likely address future equipment and space needs, planning for a potential changeover from Standard Definition (SD) television to High Definition (HD), staffing, alternative funding streams, increased services to the Towns and improved public relations/community outreach efforts.
The financial status of SLCT is reviewed annually by our auditor and his management remarks remain positive with no outstanding accounting issues. SLCT continues to maintain a responsible reserve account in anticipation of future technology changes and is considering an investment policy for a portion of the account to better preserve those funds against constant inflation pressures. The current operating budget is approximately $250,000 with personnel and equipment expenses accounting for two-thirds of the quarterly income from Comcast. The SLCT Executive Director and Access Coordinator are full-time employees and the number of part-timers ranges between six to eleven throughout the year. Additionally, we rely upon the assistance of numerous volunteers for help with special projects such as the Annual Meetings of both towns and other unique community events.
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There have been a number of successful programming ventures during 2014 including the long-standing, locally produced, pet adoption show “Pawdoptions”, “Community Updates”, and a local wrestling program. SLCT is one of few local access stations in Massachusetts that broadcast English-language world view news and entertainment from German television station Duetsche Welle. Our viewership of governmental programs continue to increase on Town Hall Streams and SLCT maintains a web and Facebook presence that has active community participation. This year the ever-present SLCT Carousel bulletin board was utilized by 166 organizations including notices posted by our governmental entities, and, we contributed equipment to support major community events.
The 2015 year is expected to see additional changes in the quality of selectmen broadcasts with the installation of a new, high quality camera in both Towns. While the exact dimensions of our assessment are currently unknown, we look forward to a year of increased opportunities to serve our subscribers and our communities. As always, the management and Directors of SLCT sincerely appreciate the continued support and encouragement of Selectmen in Sterling and Lancaster.
Robert A. Bloom,
SLCT President
LANCASTER HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The members were: Michael Sczerzen, Chair, Heather Maurer Lennon Vice Chair, Joy Peach, Sally Rouleau, Karen Silverthorn, Mark Schryver, and Jean Watson and Associate Members: Joan Richards and Garrett Sheahan. Catherine Chaisson, Associate Member, term expired in June 2014. The Commission members thank the following persons who have adopted a historic marker in town and taken responsibility for the area surrounding the markers: Jean and James Watson - Lover’s Lane Old Elm Tree on Centerbridge Road Liz and Tom Colley - Ward Park water trough Cemetery Dept. - Water trough at North Village Michael Sczerzen and Joan Richards - Lane’s Crossing Water Trough Joanne Foster and Alexandra Turner - water trough at the intersection of Centerbridge Road, Neck Road, and Main Street Anyone interested in adopting a marker, please contact the Historical Commission at [email protected] and telephone number 978-365-3909. Thank you to Sue Billings and Corinne Walker of the
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Lancaster Garden Club for coordinating other areas in town. The Historical Commission encourages all town agencies to maintain plantings with appropriate landscape material that enhance the historical buildings around the Town Green. The Commission office in 2014 was located at 94 Main Street (the Philbin Building). As of February 5, 2015, the office will be temporarily located at 131 Main Street (Hometown Bank Building). Michael Sczerzen, Chairperson, and Heather Lennon, Vice Chairperson, have coordinated with Town Administrator Ryan McNutt on this relocation. Heather Lennon, who also serves as the volunteer Office Coordinator, continues to be actively involved in the organizing, preparing and archiving of historical materials pertaining to Lancaster. We have volunteer staff and two senior abatement workers. In total, no less than 2471 volunteer hours have been recorded in the office in 2014, plus time spent by members who personally greet visitors who came from California, Texas, Washington, Ohio, Oregon, and local New England states. We also had queries related to Lancaster’s history. The Historical Commission continues to answer requests for genealogical and other town related research. The office is open most Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Special appointments can be scheduled for interested individuals wishing to do on-site research. Many items pertaining to Lancaster are for sale. The Commission co-sponsors some of the yearly four programs of the Lancaster Historical Society. In 2014, the Historical Commission supported the efforts regarding: Prescott Building -- The Historical Commission successfully brought to the attention of our state representative, Harold Naughton, need for assistance in keeping this project moving forward. Special legislation (Bill H4331) was signed by Governor Patrick just before an October 1st 2014 deadline. This was necessary to correct a series of paperwork errors relating to the town meeting warrant in 2013 and deadline for bond applications in 2012. Representative. Naughton also secured $100,000 from the Massachusetts state budget to be used for the Prescott Building Rehabilitation Project. The project is now under the direction of the new Town Administrator, Ryan McNutt, who has hired an Owners Project Manager, who will select an applicant for the design phase of the project. We thank the townspeople of Lancaster for their support of this project. Bartlett Pond Conservation Area and Frommer Park --The Historical Commission participated in the dedication of the Bartlett Pond Conservation Area and Frommer Park on June 24, 2014. One of the two turbines was placed on a foundation base. Restoration work on the first turbine was completed in Worcester but it disappeared with no explanation after having been paid for by the town. Verbiage for signs relating to the history of the area was provided by the Historical Commission but due to production delays, they will not be installed until 2015. Old Common Road – We have had numerous concerns related to the c. 1799 houses that are falling into disrepair under the stewardship of the State and the Robert Kennedy Action Corp.. We have been in communication with Representative Naughton’s office and the state
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maintenance group to voice our concern and that of the residents who live within the neighborhood. Freedom’s Way --We were actively involved in the Freedom’s Way project, “Paths of the Patriots”. Heather Lennon and Joy Peach were involved. An ensemble performance of a play put together by Jim Moran of the American Antiquarian Society was presented in the Old Shirley Meetinghouse on October 19, 2015. Joy Peach portrayed Lancaster patriot Dr. William Dunsmore.
Changes in Town: Lancaster Bank –The Center Hose House, which was formerly the Lancaster Bank and in more recent times housed the Ambulance Vehicle, has been put up for sale. Ponakin Bridge – Mr. Nels Raynor from Bach Steel of Holt, Michigan, an expert in historic bridges, has expressed interest in our historic Ponakin Bridge. This bridge and the Atherton Bridge over the Nashua in Lancaster are extremely rare examples of early “pony-truss” bridge construction. We hope that these bridges will be rehabilitated in the near future. Rowlandson Rock -- The historic Rowlandson Rock located at the top of George Hill has been donated to the town and accepted by the Board of Selectmen to be deeded to the Conservation Commission for preservation. This land was owned by the late William Kilbourn of Lancaster and was originally left to the Trustees of Reservations who declined the gift. Bill’s heirs then agreed to deed the property to the Town of Lancaster. The Lancaster Historical Commission plans to showcase this nationally significant site in partnership the Freedom’s Way Heritage Association in 2015. 28-30 Harvard Road -- The Stedman Nourse House (circa 1840), which had fallen into serious disrepair, was demolished to make way for a new duplex. Accessions: 2014 The Commission received donations from: Marilyn Chambers, Robin Davidson , George and Walter Fifield , Dorothea Germain, John Schumacher Hardy, Nat and Betty Hawkins, Lowell Joerg , David Kilbourn, Heather Lennon, Mary McNamara, Leo and Mary Paquette, Michael Sczerzen, Garrett Sheahan, Candy Shively, and, Jean Watson. A complete listing of the donations and acquisitions can be obtained at the Historical Commission Office.
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LANCASTER COMMUNITY CENTER
The Lancaster Community Center celebrated a third anniversary June of 2014. The Center is located in the former Tercentary building, just behind the town green. Since it opened the Center has become a popular location for a variety of services. It continues to be the hub for human services in Lancaster, housing the Veteran’s agent’s office, Recreation, the Commission on Disability, as well as the Council on Aging and the Senior Center.
2014 was the third full year the Center was open. We began the year with limited occupancy to the upper floor of the Center as ADA renovations were not complete. Through support from the town through the Board of Selectman and the Finance Committee money was allocated to install an elevator. Paul Lieneck, of Haynes, Lieneck and Smith served as the architect and designed a three door four stop elevator that links both the Center and the Memorial School making both buildings fully ADA compliant. Poulin Construction, of Sterling was the winning general contractor bid. Despite changes due to unknown underground pipes and flooding the elevator was finally installed. By the end of year installation of the elevator was complete, with final expenses of $330,000. After completion of the elevator project we were granted permission from the Architectural Access Board to fully use the whole building.
Under the direction of the Board of Selectman the director, Alexandra Turner and Center assistant Maribeth Eugene spent the year managing the elevator installation, building awareness of events, managing rentals, managing custodial needs, and refining policies. Time was also spent building a volunteer staff, and developing and implementing programming in the Center. The Center’s growth has been impressive, quickly becoming a popular meeting and event space.
The Board of Selectman approved refined policies for use and rental in 2014. The policies were modeled on other Centers around the state and have since been refined to meet local demands. Space was allocated according to policy with Town boards and commissions are given top priority for space use. Non-profits and community based organizations come next then the general requests. A Center calendar is on the town website under Community Center for the public to review bookings.
A sampling of events hosted in the gym include youth Basketball, both Lancaster Rec and private leagues, Soccer practice, Adult Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga, Line Dancing, Weight Training, and Volleyball. The gym was home base for Camp C.R.A.F.T’s Summer Camp, children’s birthday parties, a wedding, and several large meetings! Once the elevator is complete more opportunities will be available.
The Center has become a popular meeting and event space. . Many commissions and boards have made the Meeting room there home base for meetings, including the Board of Health, ZBA, Conservation, and Selectman. Our local cable
117 station, SLCTV, has wired the meeting room to broadcast live should it be needed. The meeting room is also used for groups who have large attendance such as the Boy Scouts, parties, or groups that need flexible space. Yoga, and Tai Chi classes were held in the meeting room Another service housed in the meeting room is a volunteer run computer lab, with donated hardware and software and a printer donated by the Friends of Lancaster Seniors. The lab does not cost the town anything, and has been a valuable resource for residents.
The Senior Center is next door to the Meeting room is always busy, for both Senior events and for other events. Town groups, including the American Legion call the Center home. The Council on Aging runs the Senior Center though they use space with the in the rest of the Center too. The Senior Center maintains an Open door policy, inviting all ages for most events and programs.. Please refer at the Council On Aging report for more details about the Senior Center.
The area outside the Center is well landscaped, and serves as an extension of the indoor Center as an area to run programming. The grounds are an attraction for children and adults alike.
The high raised beds continued to be the focus of the backyard. They were built for the seniors and community to share. The beds were built by students from, MinuteMan Vocational school in Lexington, Growing Spaces Garden Project continued their support. These beds were designed high for seniors to be able to garden comfortably, though we encourage all ages to garden and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Rain barrels provide all the water, and the organic compost yielded a bounty of herbs and vegetables.
The Community Center sponsored a free events, including concerts, Old Fashioned Home Days, and cookouts. We also offered school vacation events, typically on Tuesdays offering all ages family breakfasts, games in the gym and drop in crafts. For 2015 the Center will offer more free events, and serve as a hub for community events. Please look to the Center calendar found on the town website, on the Community Center page.
RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Recreation Committee is now using an online payment system. This new system was used for registrations for our Youth Basketball program last fall, and will be available for residents to purchase Beach Passes and registration fees for any Recreation sponsored activity. We have linked in to the same system as the Treasurer’s Office and other Town groups are currently using, for your convenience.
The Lancaster Recreation Committee offers youth basketball for grades 1 through 8. Games and practices are held at Mary Rowlandson Elementary and Luther
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Burbank Middle Schools. Games are played with the towns of Bolton, Harvard, Maynard and Stow. We would like to recognize and thank Bill & Ann Duggan for coordinating this program for the last several years. They are truly committed to ensure the success of this youth program.
The Ski Club continued at Wachusett Mountain. Due to the amount of passes sold, we were able to donate 3 Bronze Century Passes to children in the Lancaster Ski Program run by Patti Lane.
Thayer Field continues to host many Little League baseball & softball games and practices. The Challenger League for kids with special needs continues to thrive at Thayer Field as well. The Lancaster Adult Co-Ed Softball League completed its ninth year with eight teams participating in the league. This was the second year that the league hosted a successful ALL-STAR tournament, which had great success and brought even more league players together. The annual Thayer Field Cleanup day, coordinated by the newly formed Thayer Field Campus Committee went off in April working in conjunction with the Lancaster Land Trust and supported by the Thayer Field Foundation. Volunteers came to assist from Lancaster Little League, Lancaster Challenger League and the Adult Co-ed Softball League.
The Town Beach at Spec Pond was open for eight weeks with certified lifeguards and attendants to oversee safety at the beach. All lifeguards also participated in and received certificates for completing a Waterfront Safety Course taught by New England Health & Safety Training. The beach area was raked out and cleaned up by a crew from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. Swim lessons were offered with two sessions completed, with a total of 29 children receiving certificates.
The Men's Recreation Basketball Group remains under Lancaster Recreation and will continue to benefit from utilization of the Luther Burbank gymnasium. This group plays Tuesday evenings from September through April and is coordinated by Zachary Gilmore.
The Recreation Committee also provided a “Bouncy house” and face painting at the Town’s Community Days.
We would like to thank Marcus Lewis of Camp CRAFT for continuing his Day Camp for kids aged 5-13 last summer. Activities included arts & crafts, swimming lessons, tennis, and other general recreation activities. We look forward to the camp returning in summer 2015.
Respectfully submitted,
Johnna Doyle, Chair
Ted Manning
Paul Morrison
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Jeanne Blauner
Dondrae May
Joe Kennedy
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Open Space and Recreation Committee came into being with the approval at the 2008 Town Meeting to fulfill the mission to advance the goals, objectives and actions of the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan, and to serve as a centralizing forum of this effort.
Open Space and Recreation Plan
The Committee completed the 2009-2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan and it was formally accepted and approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in May 2010. Members of the Open Space and Recreation Committee partnered with other town committees, boards, non-profit groups (such as the Lancaster Land Trust and the Lancaster Friends of the Nashua River) to make progress with the ambitious 7-year action plan.
The OSRC will re-affirm the goals of the OSRP, and plan the implementation in order to meet these goals, as follows:
- Water supply protection - Agricultural land protection - Forest land protection - Recreational resource development - Pedestrian connection development - Overall land conservation and protection - Land acquisition
As part of this implementation, the OSRC has involved the many stakeholders that are beneficiaries of the plan, including:
- Planning Board - Conservation Commission - Board of Selectmen
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- Town Forest Committee - Trail & Bike Way Coalition - Land Trust - Friends of the Nashua River/Cook CA - Commission on Disability - DPW - Agricultural Commission - Recreation Committee - Thayer Field Campus Committee
Parcel Protection
The Open Space and Recreation Committee also continued to advocate and advise on parcels of interest for land protection.
In 2014, the Open Space Committee worked with the Conservation Commission and Town Forest Committee to assess the conservation value of all privately and publicly owned properties in the Town of Lancaster that are not currently protected from development under the provisions of Article 97 of the Massachusetts State Constitution. Public land is protected under Article 97 if is under the care and control of the Conservation Commission or a land conservation agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, such as the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) or Department of Fish & Game (DFG). Privately owned land receives Article 97 protection when it is placed under a Conservation Restriction held by the Conservation Commission, a State agency such as DCR or DFG, or a non-profit land trust.
The collaboration by the Open Space Committee, Conservation Commission and Town Forest Committee to assess the conservation value for all currently unprotected privately and publicly owned properties resulted in the creation of a comprehensive Parcel Protection List to use as a guide in prioritizing land protection efforts. In particular, very high importance has been given to the expansion of the existing conservation areas in the Town, most notably the Cook Conservation Area and the Lancaster Town Forest.
Voters at the 2014 Annual Town Meeting approved the expenditure of $60,000 to partner with the Lancaster Land Trust (LLT) to expand the Lancaster Town Forest through the protection of 17.85 acres of adjacent land. LLT will buy the land from the current owners using the proceeds from a Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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Conservation Partnership Grant, which will reimburse LLT 50% of the land acquisition cost. The funding approved by Town Meeting will go toward the purchase of a Conservation Restriction from LLT, to be held by the Conservation Commission, for the amount not covered by the Conservation Partnership Grant. As part of this project, Annual Town Meeting also approved the transfer to the Conservation Commission’s care and control, with the Town Forest Committee’s active management, 51.6 acres of existing Town-owned land adjacent to the Lancaster Town Forest. Hopefully, the future will hold many more successful land protection projects accomplished through such public-private partnerships.
Also, in October 2014, Special Town Meeting approved the transfer of two parcels of Town-owned of land, 37.6 acres total, to the care and control of the Conservation Commission. The two parcels consist of a portion of the former Durling property on Route 117, and a nearby parcel.
The Conservation Commission also accepted a generous donation of .20 acres of land off of Winsor Road from the Kilbourn family. This parcel is the location of the historically significant Rowlandson Rock, named after Mary Rowlandson, who was held there the first night after being captured by Native Americans in February, 1676, during what is now known as King Phillip’s War.
What’s New for 2015
Some of the Commission’s upcoming activities in 2015 will include the continued conservation of open space properties, maintaining the conservation land throughout the town to provide a rural environment for the residents to enjoy, working with potential developers in seeking permanent conservation easements for path systems, and similar ideas for a variety of other conservation-oriented projects.
The Open Space and Recreation Committee meets on the fourth Wednesday every other month at 6:30 PM at the Lancaster Town Hall. Everyone is welcome to join the Committee for these meetings and public involvement is always encouraged.
The Community Development and Planning Office coordinates all meeting schedules and is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As
122 always, we welcome citizen’s questions, comments or suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at 978-365-3326 x1311 or at [email protected]. For more information on open space issues in Lancaster, please visit us on the town’s web site: www.ci.lancaster.ma.us.
Respectfully submitted,
Noreen Piazza, Staff Liaison
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THAYER FIELD RECREATION CAMPUS COMMITTEE
Another productive year of accomplishments towards the realization of the Nathaniel Thayer Memorial Park Project. Continued outreach and awareness of the Town project occurred with the issuance of a $40K State Department of Conservation and Recreation Earmark and doubly endorsed, by town residents, for the project by voting to match the Earmark by another $40K at Town Meeting. This has allowed the team to move forward with the design/build contract with Beal's and Thomas as we look to complete final design and assemble project costs. This activity is due to be finalized in 2015 with total funding for the project identified for the citizens of Lancaster. The continued support of the Finance Committee to identify and allocate specific funding, through Recreation, in support of the project has been critical.
Opening the Campus
Photo credit: Susan Smiley
Through the campus enhancements of removing much of the fencing, debris, overgrowth and undergrowth in critical viewing areas (see picture) has all contributed and promoted increased visibility and use on the campus for all four seasons. The trail network was cleaned up and enhanced for expansion of the pre-existing trails. The trails are now incorporated into the overall offerings being promoted as part of the Open Space and Master Plan initiative for passive recreation via a published Lancaster trail map. Trail improvements have allowed increased activity for bird-watching, photography, peaceful enjoyment of walking, triathlon training, snowshoeing, x-country skiing, dog walking and opened up the ball fields for other organizations to utilize for tournaments and events. The Firefighters Association hosted a Patriots Player softball tournament this summer and we had a mock wedding celebration by two of the adult softball participants (see picture).
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Continued collaboration with other town departments, specifically the Department of Public Works and the Lancaster Community Center helped realize a lawnmower donation for maintenance on the campus. Fertilizer was purchased to enhance all playing fields for team sports and general recreation use. A spotlight was turned back on for the Ice Skating rink so that residents can skate in the evening, after work (see picture). A generous donation of materials was made by Boucher Construction and North Central Sand and Gravel to upgrade the softball infield, providing a safer foundation for all users. Central Mass Mosquito Control continues to keep clear the existing stream and is working with the campus committee to remove old tires that remain on site as well as completing the necessary mosquito spraying of the campus for all visitors.
Rink Fire
Photo credit: Susan Smiley
The highlighted accomplishments by the Thayer Field Campus Committee and their non-profit organization, Thayer Field Foundation, has allowed the team to co-host the annual Lancaster Community Days in August, which featured a cultural grant-funded movie, FROZEN, as well as the second annual Winter Festival which is quickly becoming the town event to attend, attested to by the double number of visitors to the event. The non-profit funding continues to grow and there are many interested donors reaching out to donate to the project. This is exactly the kind of investment in outreach that our teams have hoped for and once we are able to establish the cost of the project we can set our sight on a solid sponsorship plan. The Playground group was re- established and will be working hand-in-hand with the BMX pump track expansion in the same region of the Park so that parents can bring their children, of all ages, to the campus for multiple recreation activities. The momentum is strong with two new members of the Thayer Field Foundation Board of Directors, specializing in recreation and fundraising and we expect to have many more events for our citizens to come out and support this Park project.
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Wedding Team
Photo credit: Susan Smiley
As we continue the progress of bringing this Park Project to the Town of Lancaster, we would like to acknowledge and thank ALL of our supporters and volunteers that continue to encourage our mission and sustain our progress. 2015 will bring further enhancements to the campus for all our residents to use this valuable parcel located in the heart of our community.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Smiley, Chair, Thayer Field Campus Committee
LANCASTER TRAIL AND BIKE WAY COALITION
Who Are We?
The Lancaster Trail & Bike Way Coalition (LTBC) was formed in 2013 with the mission of enriching the lives of residents by advancing the development, and ensuring the maintenance, of a diverse system of trails and bike ways, all in a manner that protects the ecologically-sensitive environment.
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Our Goals and Core Values
The LTBC seeks trails and bike ways that promote:
- Accessibility – an infrastructure of trails and bike ways that are a part of everyday life and accessible to all people of varying abilities, ages and backgrounds
- Healthy Lifestyles – improved fitness, health and well-being for all people through trails and bike ways that offer opportunities for physical activity, recreation, rejuvenation and preventative health care
- Economic Vitality – a trail system that contributes to the financial strength and attractiveness of the community by enhancing business opportunities, tourism and property values
- Sustainable Development – a trail system that offers alternative transportation opportunities, contributes to the health and vitality of the community, and connects people to nature
- Best Practices – innovative, sustainable, and technically sound guidelines that are understood and applied by decision makers in the planning, design, development and construction of high-quality trail systems
- Experiences in the Outdoors – responsible and enjoyable opportunities that are afforded to all trail users and enthusiasts
- Appreciation for the Outdoors – inspiring trail experiences that cultivate an appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage
- Learning in the Outdoors – formal and informal educational and interpretive opportunities that promote understanding of our sense of place
- Connectivity – trail systems that link natural and cultural resources within the Town and with surrounding communities
This newly-formed group of trails and bike path enthusiasts will develop a town-wide vision and implementation plan for recreational trails and bike paths throughout Lancaster, and to connect these trails and paths in with other community’s trail and path systems.
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Our Charter
The following is an initial charter for the Coalition:
Assemble team to study and plan for trail and bike path systems throughout Lancaster and in the Region.
Work with the Montachusett Regional Trails Coalition to connect Lancaster’s trails and bike paths with other community’s trails/paths.
Work to connect Lancaster’s trails and bike paths with open space parcels, conservation areas, recreational areas and wildlife corridors.
Develop a trails/bike path inventory and update the Lancaster Trails map accordingly.
Plan for new trails and bike paths and determine methods and funding sources for their creation and maintenance.
Promote the Lancaster trails and bike path systems throughout the community and region.
The membership of the Coalition includes representatives from:
Community Development and Planning Conservation Commission Open Space and Recreation Committee Lancaster Land Trust Recreation Committee Thayer Memorial Park Committee Friends of the Cook Conservation Area Friends of the Nashua River Town Forest Committee Board of Health Commission on Disability Public Works
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It became evident that Lancaster’s trails are mostly informal trails or paths that have never been officially documented or mapped. It also became clear that there are many different groups within Lancaster that are currently working on trail creation and maintenance. It would make sense for these individual groups to team together to try and link these trails and provide connectivity to all of the natural resources in this community, including conservation areas, recreation areas, water bodies, and even cultural and historical sites. This trail plan or vision can also encompass trails for different modalities, including walking/hiking, biking, horseback, dirt bikes/ATVs, snowmobiles, showshoeing, skiing, etc. We are looking to connect these trails so that we have a seamless network of trails and bike paths throughout Lancaster and into surrounding towns.
Our Work Plan
A three-year work plan is in place to act as the “blueprint” for the Coalition’s work. Pieces of the plan include:
- Assemble team to study and plan for trail and bike path systems throughout Lancaster and in the Region.
- Work with the Montachusett Region Trails Coalition to connect Lancaster’s trails and bike paths with other community’s trails/paths.
- Work with the Open Space and Recreation Committee to connect Lancaster’s trails and bike paths with open space parcels, conservation areas, recreational areas and wildlife corridors.
- Develop a trails/bike path inventory and update the Lancaster Trails map accordingly.
- Plan for new trails and bike paths and determine methods and funding sources for their creation and maintenance.
- Promote the Lancaster trails and bike paths throughout the community and region.
In its second year, the LTBC has accomplished the following:
- Solicited public input for new trails and trail connection routes
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- Identified all open space parcels, conservation areas, recreational areas, water bodies, wildlife corridors, cultural sites, historical sites, other points of interest
- Established connection routes between existing trails and these points of interest
- Establish connection routes between Lancaster trails/bike ways and surrounding town’s networks
- Established funding sources for new trail/bike way development
- Continued to develop and attend trail-related events
- Continued to develop trail useful information, such as local and regional trail maps, an LTBC brochure, and updates to our web page
- Commissioned a Complete Streets study to determine the best streets for bike and pedestrian movement, and to recommend street improvements for these routes
Come Join Us!
We meet the second Wednesday every other month, at 6:30 PM, at the Lancaster Town Hall. If interested in joining, contact Noreen Piazza at [email protected] or call 978-365-3326 x1311. Also check our out web page at www.ci.lancaster.ma.us.
Happy Trails!
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TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
The Lancaster Town Forest Committee continued their busy pace of making improvements in the Arthur W. Blood Town Forest in 2014. We collaborated with Lancaster Pack 9 for a forest clean-up day in the spring which also cut a new trail connecting Devonshire Way with Old County Road. We also finished marking the boundaries of the forest and received the completed survey for the major parcel east of Brockelman Road. In the fall, additional trails were begun which connect the parking lot on Brockelman Road with the Thayer Forest and parking area on Bull Hill Road. This year the committee hopes to finish clearing, marking, and mapping the new trails. In cooperation with the Lancaster Land Trust and the Conservation Committee, we were awarded a Conservation Partnership Grant which will add an additional 17 acres to the management of the Town Forest Committee. In addition, our forester, Kevin Scherer, completed his 10 year forest management plan for the forest. Copies of the plan are available on the Town Forest Website. In the fall we hosted a hike in the forest with the forester to explain the new 10 year plan. By the end of 2014, our forester had begun marking trees west of Brockelman Road for a planned harvest that will take place in 2015 or 2016. The harvest will include areas both east and west of Brockelman Road. The goal of the harvest is to remove old, diseased, or overcrowded trees in order to promote the health of the forest and assist the next generation of trees in getting established. Finally, the committee created a Facebook page for the forest which will announce upcoming events and post pictures etc.
The page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/lancasterbloodforest. As always, the public is welcome to explore the town forest and enjoy the opportunity to hike, bird watch, hunt, or just have a picnic and enjoy nature.
Respectfully submitted
Tim Castner
Town Forest Committee Chair
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MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, May 26, 2014 9:00 AM The Town Green Lancaster, Massachusetts
Parade Marshal David Hollingsworth Commander Everett Minigan, American Legion Post 96 Henry Richter Master of Ceremonies Henry Richter
Invocation Pastor Don Pate Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag Audience “America the Beautiful” Audience & Lancaster Middle School Band General Logan’s Orders Hannah Castner “Manhattan Beach March” Lancaster Middle School Band Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Chloe Revell Memorial Address Pastor Don Pate Call for Wreath Bearers Henry Richter Call for Heritage Group Henry Richter Decoration of War Memorials Veterans “Nearer My God to Thee” Nashoba High School Band
Three Rifle Volley Post 96 Firing Squad “Taps” Lancaster Middle School Band Benediction Pastor Don Pate Parade proceeds to North Cemetery led by the American Legion. Music provided by Nashoba High School Band, directed by Tom O’Toole and Lancaster Middle School Band, directed by Wayne Gilbert.
“The Star Spangled Banner” Town Green Nashoba High School Band
We are here to honor and pay tribute to the men and women who served our country in time of war. Let us live our lives so that the ideals, the liberty, and the way of life they fought to preserve may remain in us a living memorial to those whom we will never forget. The committee wishes to thank the audience and all who participated in making this day a solemn and memorable Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Committee Members Carol Sonia, Karen Shaw Co-Chairs Jen Lapen Henry Paszko Ann Fuller Mary Paquette Alexandra Turner Paula Hamwey Leslie Montague
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EDUCATION
NASHOBA REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
It is with great pleasure and pride that I share the annual report for NASHOBA Regional School District. Our district continues to perform well by most metrics, and we are proud of our accomplishments by students and staff. This year, Mary Rowlandson Elementary School was recognized as a Commendation School by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for its performance on MCAS. As a district our Cumulative Point Index (CPI) rose to 81 up from 76 in 2013. This is a 100 point scale that awards points for categories within the assessment system. Our high risk students’ CPI improved from 63 to 65. Mary Rowlandson earned a perfect score for all students (100) and for high risk students (100), which is a huge accomplishment. NRHS showed the greatest improvement in CPI for all students increasing from 78 to 86.
At a glance, our district started the 2014 calendar year with the FY 15 budget process and the school committee approved an increase of 3.78% for annual town meeting to consider. It was unanimously approved by all three towns. The budget conversation included a move to create a hybrid early childhood program, lengthening and blending the dedicated half-day students with the full day students. The Committee agreed to annually review this as it continues its conversation around full day kindergarten for all students.
Digital learning has been a focus of our work for a number of years. With the new school in Stow coming on line, the WiFi coverage in all buildings is more than 95%; the coverage in academic areas is 100%. The improvement we have made on the network infrastructure, especially on the wireless networks allow us to continue expanding Chromebook (grades 3-12) and iPad (K-2) deployment.
The school committee began a NASHOBA Regional High School space task force to look at how space is used, how could new or different space impact student performance, and what, if any, space is needed to address current or future academic plans on the table The task force continues its deliberations. The school committee also approved educator evaluation policies that give better feedback for improvement and clearer options for administrators to address concerns, including those of parents, students and fellow educators. The school committee also approved two union contracts; educators (Unit A) and staff (Unit C) for three years each.
The Department of Teaching and Learning continues to support Grades K-5 teachers as they reflect, revise, and re-evaluate the curriculum and modes of instruction in the area of Language Arts. During the Spring of 2014 after school workshops were held focusing on Writing to meet the Common Core standards
133 and Balanced Literacy (both Reader’s Workshop and Daily 5) in the classroom. These sessions were facilitated by Carol Archambault, Instructional Coach for Literacy, and attended by teachers from all three towns. Ongoing workshops are being presented at Center School to support teachers as they move towards the Reader’s Workshop model.
Middle School English/Language Arts teachers were engaged in creating new common assessments in the area of writing that reflect the increased rigor demanded by the Common Core curriculum. These assessments were written together by all teachers during Professional Development sessions, facilitated by Laura Friend, Assistant Principal at Mary Rowlandson Elementary School. These new assessments were implemented this fall.
During 2014, the Department of Teaching and Learning continued facilitating efforts to align curriculum to the updated Massachusetts math frameworks. As part of this effort, a group of middle school general and special educators convened to evaluate middle school math resources with the goal of purchasing a resource that could set the foundation for math education in Grades 6-8. The educator group identified priorities that included supporting struggling students, embedding technology consistently in instruction and offering enrichment opportunities. As a result of this work, the Nashoba Regional School District purchased two new math resources that combine to provide students the opportunity to engage with rich conceptual and procedural math problems on a daily basis. Glencoe Math was purchased toward the beginning of the current school year, while Connected Math Project (CMP3) units were purchased recently and are just beginning to be implemented. We have received positive feedback from general and special educators on the support systems, in the form of tutorials, self-check quizzes and other interactive digital content, available to students through these resources.
A similar effort has also begun at the elementary level, with a large number of K- 2 teachers piloting an updated version of our current math program, Everyday Math EM4, this year. This is the first step in an upcoming effort to evaluate elementary math resources for a large pilot during the 2015-2016 school year. In addition to aligning more completely to the updated math frameworks, updated programs offer students many additional opportunities to interact with mathematics both through interdisciplinary connections and enhanced digital content.
A NRSD Science and Engineering Committee, comprised of educators from Grades K-12, was formed this past spring to begin supporting our anticipated transition to updated science, technology and engineering standards. These standards are expected to be approved during the 2015-2016 school year. The overall goal of the committee is to structure a consistent, high-quality districtwide science and engineering learning experience for all students using the updated frameworks as a basis. The updated frameworks represent a
134 significant transition from knowing science concepts to being able to apply them through experimentation and problem solving, data analysis and argumentation. Eight science and engineering practices form the backbone of the updated standards by laying out expectations for how students should be interacting with science and engineering problems. Over the past year, the committee, which meets monthly after school, has been working on digesting these eight practices by employing them in classrooms and creating guidelines that will support all educators to incorporate the science and engineering practices into lessons. During 2015, the work of this committee will transition to structuring units that incorporate the practices and updated content expectations as well as connect deliberately to English Language Arts and math learning standards.
The District continues to expand its enrichment opportunities for students in and out of the school day and year. We have added academies available to students in grades K - 5 for February, April and late June. We have added “moot court” for middle school students and we continue our partnership with the Lancaster PTO in offering the summer theater for students in grades three through eight.
At the high school, we had three major accomplishments during the 2013-14 school year. We completed the school’s self-study, which is part of the reaccreditation process for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The self-study identified areas of strength that we should continue to maintain, and areas for improvement going forward. The next step in the reaccreditation process is the site visit, which will occur in March 2015. We also developed over a dozen new courses, which were introduced to students in the 2014-15 school year. The new courses span from interdisciplinary offerings, such as World Humanities and Epidemiology, to new electives, such as Digital Photography and Video Game Design, to new curricular programs, such as Theater Arts and Computer Science. Finally, we continued to improve on our 8th- to-9th grade transition, adding a number of new summer and school-year events for incoming freshmen, including a New Chieftain Day in August, a freshman guidance curriculum in the first semester, and expanded work between our upperclassmen and freshmen throughout the year.
Nashoba athletics enjoyed an exciting 2014. Participation increased with over 550 student-athletes participating in high school athletics (28 sports at the varsity level and a total of 50 teams on an annual basis).
The year started out great with all of our winter teams qualifying for the postseason. The girls’ basketball team started the year by having an undefeated regular season at 20-0 for the first time in school history before winning the Division 2 Central Mass Sectional title for the second year in a row. The hockey team qualified for the tournament and made it to the semi-finals. The boys’ basketball team earned a playoff berth, qualified for the Clark Tournament for the first time since 2004, and hosted a home playoff game for the first time in twenty years. The wrestling team continued it success winning the league title,
135 were ranked 10th in the state, and were Division 2 Central Mass. finalists. Girls’ indoor track was league champions, placed fourth in the district meet, and second in the state meet.
The success continued into the spring as the girls’ tennis team posted a 14-6 record and were the Division 1 Central Mass finalists. The softball team went 20- 2, were undefeated league champions, and district semi-finalists. The baseball team and girls’ track team were also league champions. Our unified track team went undefeated during the regular season.
The fall of 2014 was another successful season for the Chieftains. Boys’ cross- country was league champions, Wachusett Invitational champions, and placed second in the district meet and 11th in the state. The cheerleading squad placed second in the league competition, third in the region, and 10th in the state. Volleyball had a remarkable season, earning the best overall record since the program began and qualified for playoffs for the second consecutive season. Girls’ soccer was league champions, Division 1 Central Mass District Champions, and state semi-finalists. The field hockey team had an amazing season! They won the Division 1 Central Mass District title for the first time since 1976, were league champions, and state finalists. The girls also were selected as the MIAA Division 1 Sportsmanship Award winner. The football team posted a 6-5 record as we continued to play with a new statewide playoff system.
There were numerous individual accomplishments. Haley Doyle (Lancaster) placed fifth at the Division 2 State Diving meet. James Kilgo (Lancaster) was a Division 2 Sectional champion in wrestling. Steven Lengieza (Stow) was selected for the Boston Bruins-MIAA Sportsmanship award and Alex Tepper (Stow) won the Hobey Baker Hockey Character award and was selected to the State All- Scholastic team. Kristina MacLure (Stow) won the Division 4 State Championship in the 300M dash and the long jump. In the spring, Nick Campana (Stow) earned league MVP honors in baseball while Emily Sargent (Lancaster) earned league MVP honors in softball. During the fall, Adam Heislein (Bolton) won the league championship. Kylie Lance (Stow) earned league MVP honors in girls’ soccer while Olivia Hurd (Stow) was the MVP in field hockey. Hurd and Emma Caviness (Stow) each earned a spot on the Best of 60 field hockey team. Sarah Clopeck (Stow) and Lance were named to the All-State soccer team, while Lance also earned All New England honors. In addition, the field hockey team was featured as Channel 5’s High Five, won second place in the MIAA sportsmanship multi- media contest, and were chosen as the Scholastic Sport Zone Athletes of the Week.
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Overall, Nashoba’s sports teams saw another historic year in 2014! Ninety percent of our varsity teams qualified for post-season playoffs, we won nine league titles, five sportsmanship awards, three district championships, two state semi-finalists, and one state finalist. A total of 81 student-athletes were named to the Mid-Wach League All-Star teams, but every one of our student-athletes deserves to be congratulated for their hard work, dedication, and success.
2014 was an exciting year for students and staff at Luther Burbank Middle School. Highlights include a solid MCAS performance by students, a successful competition for our robotics team, a student meeting with Governor Patrick, and a teacher achieving a special goal.
For the third consecutive year, Luther Burbank Middle School earned an accountability rating of Level 1, the highest designation awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This achievement is the result of both growth and performance demonstrated by our students in the MCAS last spring.
The Robo Lancers, our school’s robotics team demonstrated strong problem solving skills and excellent creativity during the regional competition this year. The Robo Lancers competed in the FIRST LEGO League qualifying tournament and won a first-place trophy for the best researched project and a place at the state championship tournament, held at WPI.
Over the last several years, state leaders have reached out to educators and students across the state to support the important work done in schools every day. Project 351 is a special program which invites each city and town to submit the name of one eighth grade student ambassador, who can best represent their community for an important day of leadership. In 2014, Teresa Quinn represented Lancaster at this special event. Student ambassadors from each community met with Governor Patrick, who hosted a day of dialogue, service learning, and community impact. As part of her commitment to helping others, Teresa coordinated a very successful clothing drive for the Cradles to Crayons organization.
Burbank staff and students celebrated a very special event this year; US citizenship for math teacher, Ms. Jackie Macharia. On the morning after obtaining citizenship, Ms. Macharia led the morning announcements for the entire school which began with her reciting The Pledge of Allegiance. What a memorable moment and wonderful year.
The students of the Mary Rowlandson School continue to benefit from staff, parent and community member support. For the fifth year in a row, Mary
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Rowlandson School attained Level 1 status in the state’s MCAS assessment system. This year, the Mary Rowlandson Elementary School was also recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a Commendation School. Out of the 1,800 schools in the state, Mary Rowlandson was identified as one of the top 42 high performing schools in the Commonwealth by closing the proficiency gap for all students.
This success is a direct result of hard work and collaboration within our teaching staff. Teachers continue to hone their instructional and assessment skills related to Balanced Literacy through peer coaching and continued consultation with the Teaching and Learning Alliance. Over the past several years, teachers have worked towards full implementation of Reader’s Workshop within all classrooms, K-5. With successful implementation of Reader’s Workshop underway, the professional learning focus has now shifted to the implementation of Writer’s Workshop at all grade levels. The primary goal of Writer’s Workshop is to provide students with the content, skills, and motivation to become independent writers who are capable of communicating their ideas in a variety of writing genres. Writing efforts are celebrated throughout the year and culminate with the annual publication of the school-wide MRE Literary Magazine. 2014 marks the third year Mary Rowlandson has published a literary magazine. With each successive year, the magazine has grown in scope and depth. This year, the magazine, “Imagination in a Bottle,” included 140 original submissions from students in grades K-5.
Another measure of success is evidenced in the joy and simple “fun” of being a student at Mary Rowlandson (MRE). In its fourth year, the MRE Enrichment program has continued to grow. With over 30 enrichment sessions offered annually, students enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, chess club, Hands-on Science, yoga and jump roping. The BOKS program continues to draw a great deal of interest from students. Thirty (30) students from grade 2 to 5 come to school twice a week at 7:45a.m. to workout and learn about healthy choices.
Technology developments have allowed students to access learning opportunities in new ways. Over the summer break, the infrastructure of the school was enhanced to support faster access to the network and internet. All grade levels have significant and daily access to technology. Students in kindergarten to grade two have access to iPads in their classrooms. Students in third to fifth grade use Chromebooks to conduct research and write to demonstrate their learning. In all, the school has 60 iPads, 90 Chromebooks in addition to the Technology Lab.
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The community support the school is another factor to its success. This year 175 parent volunteers donated their time to help in classrooms, go on field trips, and provide enrichment opportunities for students. The Alison Murphy Foundation provided an amazing sandbox for the playground. Students have enjoyed hours of creative, independent play in this large new addition to the playground.
The teachers of the school not only are learners and reflect on their practices but they also share their talents and learning with other teachers. Teachers from other schools continue to visit the school to observer Reader’s Workshop lessons. MRE teachers also taught courses in Standards of Mathematical Practice for teachers from other districts. Sandy Aikdikmen, Nancy Kulis and Charlie Sampson presented at MassCUE on how to integrate technology in first grade classes.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael L. Wood Superintendent of Schools NASHOBA Regional School District
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2014 NASHOBA REGIONA L HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
First Name Middle Name Last Name Town Katerina Niki Agretelis * Bolton Pablo Lawton Reed Aldape *** § € Stow Salutatorian Kathryn Elizabeth Angevine *** § € Lancaster Maxwell Gordon Ashline * Clinton Graham Phillip Atkinson ** Bolton Amanda Taylor Bailey Lancaster Patrick Paul Bannon * Stow Anthony Michael Barassi Leominster Tye Walker Barlow Lancaster Samantha Lynn Barrett Lancaster Faith Cecelia Beglane Clinton Bret Andrew Bemis * Stow Matthew Whitney Benschneider * Lancaster Matthew Boelens ** § € Bolton Samantha Linnea Bogert Bolton Charlotte Emily Bond Bolton Allison Irene Booth Leominster Nicholas Geordi Borsari * § Bolton Bridget Riley Boyle Stow Taylor Catherine Brady ** § Leominster Beau Michael Brassard Leominster Kelley Elizabeth Brennan Bolton Joshua Thomas Bricknell ** § Stow Alexandru Brinister Stow Gabrielle Amber Brown Stow Cameron David Buchholz Stow Christopher Dean Buck § Stow Alyson Grace Burchfield * Winchendon Cecilia Leocadia Burke * Stow Joseph Cesare Cabral ‡ Bolton Nicholas David Campana Stow Jennifer Jane Carlson Bolton Nicholas Houghton Casco § Bolton Emily Chae Castner *** § € Lancaster Valedictorian Elena Filipenco Childs Bolton Frankie Charles Chiodo Bolton
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First Name Middle Name Last Name Town Rhynell Corllis Christopher § Clinton Chandler Rose Coggins ** § € Lancaster Michaela Fallon Colarossi * § Stow Claire Ann Collett ** § Bolton Timothy Patrick Collins Stow Kevin James Connelly Bolton Julia Michelle Conrado Lancaster Eric Tyler Cormier Lancaster Olivia Margaret Cosentino Bolton Jennifer Anne Cote § Lancaster Chloe Garrett Courtney ** € Shirley Ross Michael Cressman § Stow Shea Wilkins Cruikshank § Lancaster Sarah Elizabeth Curran ** § Bolton Matthew Theodore Curtin Sterling Connor Helen Curtis * Bolton Benjamin Matthew Czekanski § Bolton Michael Richard d'Entremont * Stow Spencer Haskell Dansereau Stow Kevin James DeGiacomo * § Stow Andrea Therese DeLisle * § Leominster Meiling Dellagrotte Stow Isabella Danielle DeMeo Bolton Katherine Elizabeth Deufel Bolton Gina Grace DiMasi Stow Emma McCarthy Duggan * § Lancaster Catherine Savage Duhaime * § Bolton Zoey Dorothy Dyment Bolton Daniel James Enders * Bolton Owen Barry Enders Bolton Sephra Anne Fasano ** § Lancaster Luke Coccione Fateiger § Stow Sage Renee Feltus § Bolton Alisha Marie Fisher Lancaster Shannon Claire Forest Ayer Hannah Marie Freeman * Lancaster Rachel Maria Fulciniti Stow Alison Lee Gaffney ** § € Bolton Thomas Jeffrey Garvey * § Lancaster Madeline Ann Gaudet Bolton McKenzie Mychelle Gilbride Stow
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First Name Middle Name Last Name Town Seth Norman Gilchrest Lancaster Cori Ashley Gillen ** § € Stow Alexa Lyn Giordano Stow Nicholas Paul Giovinazzo ‡ Stow Samantha Jean Gjeltema * § Stow First Name Middle Name Last Name Town Kristyn Rose Gonsalves Bolton Tatiana Lyse Grajales Lancaster Laurel Adele Gumbart ** Stow Nyshidha Gurijala * § Lancaster Darrin Jeffery Gusko Lancaster Thomas Coleman Handrick Stow Kelley Anne Hansen Bolton Matthew Francis Hayes Bolton Brandon Scott Hennessy * Stow Cristian Adrian Hera * Lancaster Benjamin Alfred Hille Stow Derek Robert Hinckley Lancaster Joshua Dillon Hodsdon Clinton Connor James Holbrook Bolton Erin Kelly Hole Lancaster Kelsey Paige Horowitz ** § Stow Matthew Paul Houseman * Lancaster Abigail Mary Jacaruso § Bolton Katherine Michelle Jesson Stow Ashley Peter Johns Bolton Brittany Anne Joseph * § Bolton Donovan Michael Joseph Joyce Lancaster Jacqueline Marie Kalinowski Fitchburg Emmalie Jean Keenan Bolton Michael Aaron Kelberman ** § € Bolton Thomas Anthony Kennon * § Lancaster Connor Jacob King Bolton Kelly Elizabeth Kline Bolton Victoria Faye Knipe Lancaster Drew Dickson Korn * Stow Merisa Ann Kouvo ** § € Stow Joyce Kerrigan LaBonte Bolton Ian Lucas Lance Stow Alicia Frances Lane * Bolton
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First Name Middle Name Last Name Town David Langberg Lancaster Nicholas Alexander Langberg § Lancaster Jamie Lavin Stow Connor David Legare Clinton Steven Oliver Lengieza ** € Stow Devyn Lee Levesque Maynard Amanda Marie Lombardo Stow Elinor Ann MacIntyre Berlin Samantha Helen MacLean § Stow Shannon Patricia Mahoney Bolton Andrew Eaton Malone Bolton Maggie Jane Mantus ** € Bolton Marie Marbeau Stow John Clemente Marshall Stow Julia Morgan Mazzaferro ** € Leominster Abigail Booth McCaffrey Bolton Philip Edward McCarthy Bolton Samuel Aaron McKenney Lancaster McLatchy- Evan Christopher Dali Stow Tyler Carey McMaster Stow Grace McNamara ‡ Stow Nathan Alexander McNeill Stow Brianna Lee Merritt Stow John Thomas Militano Bolton Tristan Daniel Miyata Bolton Sarah Ann Mpelkas Lancaster Matthew Stephen Mudgett ** § € Lancaster Paul Thomas Murtland ‡ Stow Kathryn Hunter Needle Stow Georgia Maria Nelson * Stow Kirstin Nicole Noonan * § Bolton Caitlin Mary O'Connor Lancaster Samantha Louise O'Connor * Stow Christian Glenn Owen * § Stow Andrew Edward Parrow * Lancaster Johanna Faith Pastorkovich § Bolton Ian Kyle Patten *** € Bolton Tea Marie Payson Bolton Jenna Marie Peabody * § Stow Rita Federspiel Peirce Bolton
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First Name Middle Name Last Name Town Michaela Rose Pelland *** § € Bolton Justin Rowe Pelletier * Bolton Morgan Renee Percy Bolton Olivia Anne Petkauskos § Lancaster Sean Michael Polin Stow Mark Joseph Puleo Bolton Sean Michael Quirk Bolton Sanjo Neves Ramos Jr. Stow Kiran Connolly Reed * Stow John Andrew Reilly Stow Reynolds Isabel Alyce Martinez § Leominster Benjamin Morton Rhodes Stow Jared William Richard Bolton Olivia Kathleen Ripa Lancaster Hayley Elizabeth Robichaud * § Leominster Daniel David Romhanyi Leominster Julia Victoria Root Lancaster Matthew Michael Sabourin Stow William Joseph Santangelo Lancaster Marcus Angelo Sardella Stow Emily Jennifer Sargent * § Lancaster Sarah Elizabeth Savell * Lancaster Gwen Elizabeth Savino ** § Stow Emily Anne Schomp *** § € Stow Maxwell Alexander Schryver Lancaster Christopher Ryan Schultze Lancaster Peter Kisliuk Scott § Bolton Ryan Joseph Shanley Stow Bennett Paul Skoletsky Stow Benjamin Aaron Smith Lancaster Celina Evelyn Stacy Lancaster Leah Alicia Stams Stow Tyler Robert Steff Lancaster Corey Tilghman Stepp Stow Stephen Michael Sweeney Bolton Thomas Abbott Taft * § Stow Nicholas Boyce Tavis * Stow Tristan Noah Hosea Taylor * Stow Tricia Lorraine Temple * § Bolton Alexander John Tepper *** § € Stow
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First Name Middle Name Last Name Town Nicholas Warren Tepper ** § Stow Flora Mary Tierney Stow Nicholas Michael Tollefson * Lancaster Bailey Elizabeth Tolliday Bolton Luke Gibson Traverse § Stow Danielle Lucille Tremblay * § Lancaster Danielle Rae Tremblay Boylston Catherine Theona Tully Chelmsford Jared Wells Turner Bolton Jordan Lee Uiterwyk Lancaster Andrew Nicholas Vickers Bolton Adam John Vigneaux * Bolton Benjamin Donald von Stetten § Stow Abigail Louise Wade ** Bolton Jared Alexander Walkoff § Bolton Keely Ree Walsh Lancaster Victoria Xiao Wang ** § € Bolton Eric Jacob Watterson * Lancaster Isabella Elaine White Lancaster Everett Spencer Wilgress-Pipe Bolton Noah Jelinek Wisch * Stow Hannah Doe Wright ** § Stow Daniel Charles Wuorio Bolton Brandon Scott Yannoni Stow Caitlyn Crystal Yates * § Worcester Paul Jordan Yavarow ** § € Bolton Benjamin Joseph Yentz Lancaster Alison Pesaturo Zak * Bolton
*** Summa Cum Laude ** Magna Cum Laude * Cum Laude ‡ Certificate of Completion § NHS Completed Senior Project € Top 20 in class
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MINUTEMAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Minuteman High School is a four-year, public high school in Lexington, Massachusetts, founded in the Career and Technical Education tradition. Minuteman serves the member towns of Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Dover, Lancaster, Lexington, Lincoln, Needham, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, and Weston, and teaches more than 700 diverse young men and women from local communities across eastern Massachusetts. Minuteman is a revolution in learning, preparing every student for success in college, industry and life.
Minuteman is governed by a 16-member School Committee which sets policy for the district. Each town has one representative on the committee. Lancaster’s representative is Daniel Mazzola.
Lancaster Enrollment As of October 1, 2014, 32 high school students from Lancaster were enrolled at Minuteman.
There was one graduate from Lancaster in 2014: Michael Gelinas, who majored in Metal Fabrication & Joining Technology.
Minuteman Half-Day Program Minuteman offers a unique program allowing juniors and seniors who have passed the MCAS to enroll on a half day-every day basis in a career major. This allows a student to graduate from another high school within the Minuteman district and receive a competency certificate from Minuteman.
Post-Graduate and Continuing Education Programs Minuteman offers technical training programs to adults who are looking for rewarding jobs in high-demand careers. Adults may apply to the Minuteman Technical Institute programs to hone skills in a technical area, retrain for new employment, or learn new technical skills for the first time.
Career and Technical Offerings Minuteman currently offers 19 career majors categorized into three clusters: Bio-Science/Engineering, Human & Commercial Services, and Trades & Transportation.
The District School Committee endorsed a new Educational Program Plan for the school which identified two potential new programs: Multi-Media Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing.
Academic Program Offerings Minuteman offers Advanced Placement courses in English Literature and Composition. During 2014, the school added Calculus A-B. Due to the career and technical emphasis in their program, Minuteman students also have enjoyed success on Advanced Placement tests in Environmental Technology.
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Capital Project Minuteman has received an extension to continue the work of the Feasibility Study as authorized in June 2010. In conducting this study, the professional team, including SKANSKA, as the Owner’s Project Manager, and Kaestle Boos Associates, as the Designer, have been working closely with the School Building Committee and the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Through this process, the Minuteman School Committee has approved a target design enrollment of 628 students and approved a new Educational Program Plan that will embrace an academy concept housing two career academies. These academies will aim to integrate career and technical education with academic subjects to create a truly cohesive learning experience for Minuteman students. Under the current Feasibility Study agreement, Minuteman plans to bring a proposed building project before area Town Meetings in 2016 for approval.
Regional Agreement The revised Regional Agreement has currently been approved by 10 member communities. The article will be on the Town Meeting warrant of the remaining six towns in the spring.
Minuteman in the Community Students and staff from Minuteman work on public service projects in the community. As examples, the school is working with Habitat for Humanity in Wayland and with LexHab in Lexington to create more affordable housing.
The school also offers a wide variety of services, including hairdressing and auto repairs, to residents of the district. Our restaurant is also open to the public.
The Minuteman Experience Minuteman offers a distinctly modern learning experience where students venture beyond a traditional high school curriculum to explore their interests and discover their passion, whether that’s Bio-technology, Robotics, Environmental Technology, or another one of our many career majors.
Our teachers and staff encourage students to:
Believe in Yourself. Students graduate from Minuteman with an enduring confidence that they can achieve anything they set out to do, no matter how high the hurdle, how long the road, or how loud the skeptics. Prepare for College and Life. Minuteman equips students with the academic foundation and study skills to succeed in college, and the industry certifications and acumen to succeed in business, affording every graduate a unique flexibility to pursue their dreams. Learn from Experts. Minuteman’s teachers are demonstrated experts in their respective fields, injecting a depth of knowledge and experience into their classes that is rarely found in public or private schools.
Be More Than Just Another Student. There is no such thing as “just
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another student” at Minuteman—instead, teachers and staff personally invest themselves in truly knowing each student and working closely with them to realize their full, individual potential. Make a Fresh Start. From their first day of school, Minuteman students are given the opportunity to make a fresh start among new friends and new teachers who will see them as they are and not as who they once were.
SkillsUSA SkillsUSA, in partnership with business and industry, provides opportunities for members to develop individually and improve teamwork, leadership and professional skills through education, training, service, and competition. SkillsUSA Massachusetts programs include local and state competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills.
Student Access, Participation and Support An Executive Function initiative was launched in 2010. Study skills, pre-reading strategies, and time management training help students to develop habits and techniques to improve their planning and organization skills. Minuteman continues to support a full-time Reading Specialist who consults with academic and CTE teachers to implement a school-wide reading program. The Special Education Department provides services so that all students succeed. The department successfully implemented the Student Learning Center (SLC), which allows students to understand their disability, develop skills and techniques to minimize the impact of that disability, and promote independence and personal responsibility. The SLC also supports the transition to post- secondary education, by following a model of service delivery that is popular among colleges and universities.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward A. Bouquillon, Ph.D. Superintendent-Director
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PERKINS SCHOOL
Perkins experienced a year overflowing with successes. Enriched programs, meaningful social experiences for children and adults, and a devoted group of staff and educators helped our students and residents make significant gains.
One of our most important programs at the Doctor Franklin Perkins School has been the iPad initiative, which was launched during the 2013-2014 academic year. Each student was provided with an iPad to complement classroom instruction. Classwork, assignments, correspondence, and projects are now at each student’s fingertips through the use of this technology. Apps that support all subject areas have been defined and uploaded for learners’ general use. Students have eagerly embraced this new tool and enjoyed learning at the same time.
The adult day vocational program brings residents and day participants from the community together to work at Perkins and at local area businesses where they enjoy rewarding and satisfying employment. Vocational Services was the fastest growing segment of the Adult Services department of Perkins in 2014. We have been asked to create more independent apartment settings, testament to the valuable services we are providing.
Our mental health group practice, Perkins Behavioral Health, celebrated a milestone year in 2014. The practice has been serving the community for ten years, and during that decade, has served more than 800 individuals and families with services including: assessment and on-going therapy; behavioral consultation; group and family therapy; competency evaluation; and psychological testing services.
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The Perkins Child Development Center (CDC) received accreditation in 2014 from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) after a very successful site visit. The CDC was evaluated against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria to earn this highly regarded accreditation. The census at the center reached an all-time high of 77 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from local communities.
Rein in a Dream (RIAD), Perkins’s therapeutic horsemanship program, continues to be a valuable alternative therapeutic program for Perkins students, as well as children and adults from the community. RIAD is a strengths-based program encouraging personal growth, healing, and learning in a non-traditional setting.
Perkins is a leading and diverse educational, child welfare, behavioral health, and residential program provider for children, adults, and senior citizens in Massachusetts, offering unique and innovative programs in 23 buildings and at several sites. Perkins programs include: Doctor Franklin Perkins School, a day and residential school program for 150 children and adolescents with a variety of mental health and learning challenges, 5 through 22 years of age; Perkins Child Development Center, an early childhood day care/early education program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers; Perkins Adult Services, a residential, day vocational, and community based day program for adults with developmental disabilities; Davis Manor, an assisted living program for elderly developmentally disabled adults with complex medical issues; Rein in a Dream, a nationally accredited specialized therapeutic horsemanship program serving children and adults with a variety of special needs and Perkins Behavioral Health, a community group practice providing mental health services to children, adolescents, adults and families in the region.
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IX. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
LANDCASTER LAND TRUST
The Lancaster Land Trust was founded in 1997 to preserve the rural nature of Lancaster and its high quality of life. The Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that acquires or otherwise preserves open space for all to enjoy, and works with landowners and partnering organizations to preserve even more of the rich land of Lancaster. The Trust contributes to an improved quality of life in town by providing educational, recreational, and community programs.
During 2014 the trust sponsored the town’s annual clean-up days and took part in community events such as: the Riverfest sponsored by the Friends of the Nashua, and the Community Home Days. The Trust in partnership with the town was awarded a Conservation Partnership Grant of $61,600 for Phase 1 of the Town Forest Expansion project. The Trust has acquired over 6 acres for the project and hopes to acquire 11.5 acres more before June.
Robert Lidstone
President, Lancaster Land Trust
Photo Credit: Lancaster Land Trust Website
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LANCASTER 4-H
Registration for Lancaster 4-H is held every spring for the following school year. 4-H is perfect for children who are interested in hands-on activities and enjoy meeting new people. This program is available to girls and boys beginning in grade one going through 18 years of age. Due to the club size it is only open to residents of Lancaster. Group sizes are kept small to ensure the best experiences for program members. Children are grouped by grade level for regular group meetings which are scheduled on a bi- weekly basis. Activities involving animals are scheduled on a weekly basis. Some program activities include cooking, Legos, sewing, animal husbandry, public speaking, and camping for older participants. Photo Credits: Peggy Corbett Lancaster 4-H runs the poultry, beef and dairy show at the Bolton Fair. This civic- minded group is always exploring new ways to help the community. Some of our activities include:
* Making all the arrangements concerning the annual tree lighting
* Making all the arrangements concerning the annual Easter Egg Hunt
*Planting a garden at the Mary Rowlandson School
* Competing in many local fairs throughout Massachusetts
* Collecting food for the Mary Rowlandson annual Thanksgiving Photo Credit: Peggy Corbett baskets.
* Sending notes to Lancaster Veterans for our sincere appreciation for all they have done.
* Collecting to help our Lancaster Seniors with heating Oil
Studies show that 4-H members do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, achieve a sense of self-esteem, and develop lasting friendships. Please contact me if you would like more information about
152 the Lancaster 4-H Program or if you are interested in becoming a 4H leader. I look forward to seeing you in the coming year.
The 4-H will be showcasing some programs at the Nashua River Festival and the Sholan Farms Apple Blossom festival in Leominster this spring. Please stop by and see us. Peggy Corbett Lancaster 4-H President [email protected]
LANCASTER BOY SCOUTS
This year a feature project for the Pack has been the new Sugarshack being constructed at the Pack 9 Sugarbush on Sterling road which is situated amongst the 70 or so maple trees the pack planted in the meadow where the sewer line right of way goes through. It is conservation land that has been assigned Pack 9 Cubscouts as stewards of that plot of meadow.
The pack raised over $10,000 through a kickstarter campaign to fund the project. The project was successfully funded and the pack purchased a professional quality evaporator unit along with materials required to build the 16x24 sugarshack itself. Most of the wood is from trees harvested from the Town forest (massive tall pines that were slated for removal by the town forest committee) and rough sawn on a 100 year old sawmill in Sterling, MA at Crystal Brook Farm. It is a post and beam design and should last for generations in the town once completed. Who knows, maybe in 100 years it will be an historic landmark.
Report and Photos Submitted by:
Eric Malkowski, Cubmaster Pack 91, Lancaster
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FRIENDS OF LANCASTER SENIORS, INC.
The Friends of the Lancaster Seniors, Inc., celebrated its second year of existence, and thanks to the generosity of Lancaster residents, we have already been making a difference. Money from memberships from over 150 people and the Tuesday pancake breakfast at the Senior Center, have allowed us to donate a new stove and refrigerator to the Senior Center. In addition, we have provided financial support to several meals and events for seniors over the past year.
We are looking forward to an even better 2015 and beyond. Memberships have started coming in thanks to the annual appeal letter enclosed with the Town Census.
Most importantly, we have officially received 501c(3) status as a charity! Your donations above your basic membership are now fully tax deductible!
The Friends looks forward to becoming even bigger and better over the coming years. The Pancake Breakfast held every Tuesday at the Senior Center as our primary fund-raising tool. That event is coming up on its THIRD anniversary this March (doesn’t seem possible – every week for three years – that’s a lot of pancakes). All-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, fruit, and coffee for a $2 suggested donation. You can’t beat that! And it’s not just for seniors! It is open to the public, and we particularly look forward to our vacation week specials when the kids come, as well.
Thank you for your generosity and support during our second year!
David R. James
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LANCASTER FRIENDS OF THE NASHUA RIVER
SAVE THE DATE: Lancaster Nashua River Festival ‘15 Saturday, June 20, 2015
Join hundreds of Lancaster area residents at the Fourth Annual Lancaster River Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the field on Route 117 opposite the Lancaster Fairgrounds.
------COOKS CONSERVATION AREA UPDATE On a rainy and cold November 1, 2014 fourteen hearty volunteers performed another clean-up at Cooks Conservation Area, which is a 50 plus acre parcel with an entrance on Route 70 about a mile south of Route 2. The group cleared out brush and expanded the size of the parking area as well as installed posts along the trails for future signage. The plan is to schedule another volunteer day in the spring (if it ever arrives!) to complete the signage and trail markings project, which has been one of our top priorities.
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WPI STUDENTS CONDUCT COOKS USER SURVEY For the second time in three years Lancaster Friends member and WPI professor David Spanagel has coordinated a group of WPI students to work on an engineering project at the Cooks Conservation Area. Part of their study involved a survey of Cooks visitors that asked how the area could be improved. The two most consistent pieces of feedback were: Placing trail markers so users can navigate the area without getting lost, and Filling in holes and leveling out the parking area as well as expanding the number of parking spaces. Of the 22 surveys 3 visitors were visiting the area for the first time, 3 visit about 1x per year, 6 at least 1x per month, and another three are regulars using the trails at least once a week. The three most common activities were running, hiking and dog walking. One of the other recommended improvements is to the bridges that span the seasonal streams that cross the main path. The majority of visitors rated the trail maintenance as good or excellent. ------5th Annual Lancaster Nashua River Festival Saturday, June 20, 2015 The Festival will feature a variety of family oriented and we’re increasing the number of educational outdoor activities for adults and kids. Look for more details on our expanded program on our web site or future promotional materials:
CANOE & KAYAK RIDES ON THE RIVER KAYAK RIDES FOR KIDS IN THE POND BOUNCY HOUSES * FACE PAINTING * GAMES * HAY RIDES and for the first time ever: REMAX HOT AIR BALOON RIDES Educational sessions including… FISHING * Early morning BIRDING * CRAFTS * RIVER/POND EXPLORATIONS Call for exhibitors We’re looking for local businesses, craftspeople and farmers who offer locally made products, produce and other environmentally supportive ventures. For further information about exhibiting at the River Festival contact Peter Weis at [email protected]
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SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF Lancaster Friends of the Nashua River As a local chapter of the Nashua River Watershed Association our goal is to raise awareness, offer educational programs, increase recreational access and be stewards of this wonderful natural resource that runs through our town. If you’d like to become a volunteer (contact Bill Flynn at [email protected]), or make a contribution to our efforts that supports our annual River Festival and year round activities, please mail a check to: Nashua River Watershed Association- LFONR, 592 Main Street, Groton MA 01450
For more info and updates on the 2015 River Festival visit: Lancasterfriendsofthenashua.org ------JOIN US FOR A FALL FOLIAGE TRIP DOWN THE NASHUA RIVER Saturday, September 26, 2015 Once again we’re planning a fall boat trip down the Nashua in the Lancaster/Bolton area with Still River Outfitters as our guides. The trip is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 9:00am, and will take up to four hours. You can sign up TODAY at the Still River outfitters web site stillriveroutfitters.com The cost is $20 per person, with an additional $10 if you need to rent a kayak or canoe. Our previous fall trip was a blast and registration is limited so it is never too early to sign up!
Lancaster Friends of the Nashua River Committee
David Spanagel Win Clark Peter Stanton John Helfrick Susan Munyon Peter Weis Vic Koivumaki Bonnie Cook Bill Flynn Natasha & Mark Finnerty Tom Christopher Rick Black Victoria Marquis Petracca
2014-2015 Sponsors and Supporters:
Avidia Bank Lancaster Cultural Council Clinton Savings Bank Liberty Hill Corrective Chiropractic Nationwide Auto Recycling Crawford Truck Sales Next Step Living Fraticelli Oil Co. Perkins W.J Graves Construction Ron Bouchard Auto Stores Hometown Bank Worcester Business Journal J.C. Madigan Inc. Starr Investment Services Juniper Farm Kalon Farm Kimball Farm Laddawn
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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, UNITARIAN, ON THE GREEN
While many people in Lancaster know First Church as “the Bulfinch Church,” an architectural gem on the Town Green, First Church is also an active worshiping community committed to the liberal religious principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Historically our roots at First Church are in Christian Unitarianism, but like all Unitarian Universalist churches we are non-creedal, respecting and supporting each individual’s journey to seek spiritual meaning and truth.
From the town’s beginnings in 1653, First Church’s meeting houses have served both the needs of the worshipping community and the needs of the town. Our 1816 Bulfinch designed meeting house, Lancaster’s fifth meeting house, was built for worship and for town government. First Church is currently working with the Lancaster Historical Commission, the Lancaster Historical Society, the Thayer Memorial Library, the Bulfinch Fund and Freedom’s Way to plan a town wide celebration of the 200th anniversary of the meeting house in 2016.
Today we remain committed to being a spiritual resource for the town as well as serving the broader community. We offer liberal religious education for children and programs for adult spiritual enrichment, including a weekly mindfulness meditation group, a book group, and exploration of spiritual topics and practices. The community is always invited to take part in these programs which are listed on the church’s website.
First Church actively serves the needs of the community and the world through support for local organizations like WHEAT, the Lancaster Angel Tree, Habitat for Humanity, and international organizations like the Heifer Project, the Solar Cooker Project, and Be Like Brit. Many in town know us through our traditional
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Christmas Eve services, our Strawberry Festival in June, or the Horseshed Fair each October. We also serve the community by hosting scouting events, the Lancaster Garden Club, the Nashua River Watershed Association, the Lancaster Land Trust, the Lancaster Senior Center Thanksgiving Dinner and many other community and non-profit organizations serving Lancaster and the surrounding area. In addition, the building is available for rental for private functions.
First Church invites you to visit us for Sunday morning worship at 10:30am, to attend one of our many community events, and to find out more about us at www.firstchurchlancasterma.org As we affirm each week in our worship, “whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”
EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
793 Main Street, POB 413, Lancaster, MA 01523 978-365-5782 www.ecclancaster.org
The ECC is a long standing foundational part of Lancaster and the surrounding communities; we have been here for a long time and, with the grace of God, we plan to continue serving Him in this area for many years to come. In 2014 we had an even higher profile in the community due to the celebration of our 175th anniversary. Although the actual anniversary was on May 22nd, we held events throughout the entire year to which our friends and neighbors were invited. It is our hope that many of those in our town were able to enjoy themselves and feel welcome at these various functions.
Because sharing Jesus and His message of salvation is our highest priority, it was exciting to have a series of events throughout the year that combined proclaiming Jesus with celebrating our anniversary. The following is a description of the various activities and events of 2014:
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A banner was hung over the front door indicating that we have proclaimed Jesus for 175 years and a historical display was created on the stage in the church hall where it remained for the entire year.
A catered dinner was held in June, with written invitations sent to the pastors of neighboring churches, as well as to friends and former members. Dr. Ken Swetland from Gordon Conwell theological Seminary was the guest speaker and the evening was an enjoyable one.
On August 2nd, a community-wide free barbeque was held on the church lawn. Music was provided by the band, “Grace and Caperings”; hot dogs, hamburgers, and desserts were offered to all who stopped by; face painting for the children was done by Dee Sendrowski, and a “Jumpy House” was set up – which seemed to draw as many young hearted adults as it did children!
The November event was a very special treat: Our organist, Marcel Gietzmann-Sanders, and his family put on a wonderful concert of classical music. Marcel played both the organ and the piano, his brother, Adrian, played the cello, his father, Todd, played the bassoon, and his mother, Cheryl, sang two solos. It was a joy to have an entire evening of music offered by a single family! This, again, was an event offered to the community at no charge.
The year of celebration was completed by a Christmas Concert in mid- December presented by the Youth Ensemble of New England – a favorite in Lancaster and the surrounding area. It was well attended by many in the community and a reception after the concert was enjoyed by all.
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Among our other efforts at outreach into the community, the ECC held its annual “Baby Bottle Campaign” in the spring to support the First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center in Clinton. At Thanksgiving, in conjunction with the Lancaster Police Department, we collected food and funds to offer support to residents of the community. Boxes of food, along with gift cards to supermarkets were given to a number of families; the same was done again at Christmas.
On Christmas Eve we held our traditional candlelight service to which the public was warmly invited.
Along with our celebrations, the ECC Lancaster continued to worship regularly on Sunday morning; Sunday School classes were held weekly, both evening and morning Bible Studies continued throughout the year, our Women’s Visiting Ministry went out to visit and pray with those who can’t leave home to come to church, and our Men’s Fellowship met every Saturday for a time of study and fellowship.
Our doors are open and the invitation to worship with us is extended to all who may not presently have a church home. We welcome visitors and, as always, look forward to the New Year, new friends, and whatever new plans the Lord has for us!
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl A, Sendrowski, Church Secretary For: Pastor Tim Andrews Elder Dave Hollingsworth Elder Bryan Locke Elder Frank Mitchell
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XI. TOWN RECORDS
TOWN RECORDS
January 2, 2014 Emily L. Kaplan was sworn in as a new member of the Lancaster Cultural Council, effective December 23, 2013 to December 23, 2016. This is her first of two three-year terms.
January 7, 2014 Jeanne Blauner resigned from the Thayer Field Campus Committee, effective immediately.
January 8, 2014 Susan Smiley resigned from the Recreation Committee, effective immediately.
January 23, 2014 At its regularly scheduled meeting, the Lancaster Zoning Board of Appeals voted to reorganize with Scott Miller as Chair; Robert Marshall, Vice-Chair; and Frank Sullivan, Clerk.
February 10, 2014 Kelly E. Quill was reappointed as a member of the Animal Control Commission, effective March 10, 2014 to March 10, 2017.
February 10, 2014 Jane Anne Crossman was appointed as a first-term member of the Lancaster Cultural Council, effective February 10, 2014 to February 10, 2017.
February 25, 2014 William P. Spratt resigned from the Energy Commission, effective immediately.
February 25, 2014 Theodore R. Manning was appointed as a Member of the Energy Commission to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of William P. Spratt, effective immediately.
February 25, 2014 Paula J. Hamwey was reappointed as a member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
February 25, 2014 Karen Shaw was reappointed as a member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
February 25, 2014 Alexandra W. Turner was reappointed as a member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
March 3, 2014 Mary K. Paquette was sworn in as a reappointed as a member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
March 3, 2014 Jennifer Lapen was sworn in as a reappointed as a member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
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March 4, 2014 Henry A. Paszko was sworn in as a reappointed as a member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
March 5, 2014 Carol J. Sonia was sworn in as a reappointed as a member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
March 17, 2014 Leslie J. Montague was sworn in as a reappointed as a member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
March 18, 2014 David Dunn resigned as a member of the Lancaster Energy Commission, effective immediately.
March 24, 2014 Jane-Anne Crossman was sworn in as a member of the Lancaster Cultural Council, effective February 10, 2014 to February 10, 2017, the first of two three-year terms.
March 24, 2014 Heather L. Lennon was appointed as a member of the Ad Hoc Town Buildings Utilization Committee, effective immediately.
March 24, 2014 Theodore R. Manning was appointed as an Associate Member of the Thayer Field Campus Committee, effective March 24, 2014 to March 24, 2015.
March 27, 2014 Clifford D. McMullan was sworn in as a regular (from associate) member of the Thayer Field Campus Committee to fill the unexpired term of Jeanne Blauner, effective to May 6, 2016.
April 7, 2014 Clifford D. McMullan was appointed as a member of the Ad Hoc Town Buildings Utilization Committee, effective immediately.
April 7, 2014 Jay Moody was appointed as a member of the Ad Hoc Town Buildings Utilization Committee, effective immediately.
April 9, 2014 Ann P. Fuller was sworn in as a reappointed member of the Memorial Day Committee, effective February 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014.
April 9, 2014 Dean Easterling was sworn in as a member of the Lancaster Cultural Council, effective March 10, 2014 to March 10, 2017, the first of two three-year terms.
April 14, 2014 D. Susan Thompson announced her retirement as Town Clerk, effective May 12, 2014.
April 15, 2014 The Conservation Commission voted to retain the current slate of officers for another year: Ken Rapoza, Chair; Tom Christopher, Vice-Chair.
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April 22, 2014 Joan E. Navarro was appointed as an Alternate Member of the Board of Appeals, to fill the unexpired term caused by the resignation of John P. Parsons, to serve until June 30, 2016.
April 29, 2014 At a Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the following residents were appointed as members of the Town Administrator Search Committee, to serve until a new Town Administrator is hired by the Board: Sherry L. Cutler, Joanne C. Foster, Peter Stanton, Mark D. Eaton, James E. Riley, Jr., Steven Hilliger and Bonnie Mae Smith.
April 30, 2014 Paul Morrison was sworn in as a member of the Recreation Committee, to fill the unexpired term of Amanda Carlson, to serve until June 30, 2016.
April 30, 2014 Susan Smiley was reappointed as a member of the Thayer Field Campus Committee, effective May 6, 2014 to May 6, 2017.
May 6, 2014 Joan E. Navarro, MMA, was appointed as a member of the Board of Assessors for the term May 7, 2014 to May 6, 2017.
May 6, 2014 Cynthia Bradbury was reappointed as a member of the Board of Assessors for the term July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017.
May 6, 2014 Johnna Doyle was reappointed as a member of the Recreation Committee, effective July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017.
May 7, 2014 Barbara J. Bartlett, 152 Princeton Rd, Sterling, was sworn in as Temporary Town Clerk, effective May 13, 2014 until a permanent clerk is appointed.
May 7, 2014 Joanne C. Foster was sworn in as a member of the Town Administrator Search Committee, to serve until a new Town Administrator is hired.
May 7, 2014 Sherry L. Cutler was sworn in as a member of the Town Administrator Search Committee, to serve until a new Town Administrator is hired.
May 7, 2014 Steven Hilliger was sworn in as a member of the Town Administrator Search Committee, to serve until a new Town Administrator is hired.
May 8, 2014 James E. Riley, Jr. was sworn in as a member of the Town Administrator Search Committee, to serve until a new Town Administrator is hired.
May 8, 2014 Mark D. Eaton was sworn in as a member of the Town Administrator Search Committee, to serve until a new Town Administrator is hired.
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May 9, 2014 Peter Stanton was sworn in as a member of the Town Administrator Search Committee, to serve until a new Town Administrator is hired.
May 12, 2014 Peter Jakubowicz was sworn in as a reappointed member of the Agricultural Commission, effective June 16, 2014 to June 16, 2016.
May 12, 2014 Bonnie Mae Smith was sworn in as a member of the Town Administrator Search Committee, to serve until a new Town Administrator is hired.
May 13, 2014 Frank T. MacGrory was sworn in as a re-elected member of the Housing Authority, to serve until May 13, 2019, and as a re-elected member of the Library Trustees, to serve until May 8, 2017.
May 13, 2014 Stanley B. Starr, Jr. was sworn in as a re-elected member of the Board of Selectmen, to serve until May 8, 2017.
May 13, 2014 David I. Spanagel was sworn in as Town Moderator, re-elected to serve until May 11, 2015.
May 13, 2014 Douglas A. DeCesare was sworn in as a newly-elected member of the Board of Public Works, to serve until May 8, 2017.
May 16, 2014 Joan A. Navarro was sworn in as newly-appointed member of the Board of Assessors, effective May 07, 2014 to May 6, 2017.
May 19, 2014 Emily J. Rose was sworn in as a re-elected member of the Library Trustees, to serve until May 8, 2017.
May 20, 2014 Julie E. Fay was sworn in as a re-elected member of the Nashoba Regional School Committee, to serve until May 8, 2017.
May 21, 2014 D. Susan Thompson was sworn in as a newly-elected member of the Finance Committee, to serve until May 8, 2017.
May 27, 2014 Francis G. Sullivan, Jr. was sworn in as a re-elected member of the Planning Board, to serve until May 13, 2019.
May 27, 2014 David M. DiTullio was sworn in as a newly-elected member of the Finance Committee, to serve until May 9, 2016.
June 3, 2014 David Dunn was sworn in as Clerk of the Board of Health, to serve until May 8, 2017.
June 5, 2014 Mary E. Frost was sworn in as Collector-Treasurer for the Town of Lancaster, to serve until July 2, 2017.
June 5, 2014 Kevin A. Barrett was sworn in as Superintendent of Public Works, to serve until July 2, 2015.
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June 6, 2014 Dianne Reardon was sworn in as Temporary Assistant Town Clerk, to serve until a permanent Assistant Town Clerk is appointed.
June 9, 2014 Michael Sczerzen was sworn in as Chairman of the Historical Commission, to serve until June 30, 2017.
June 9, 2014 David C. Kilbourn was sworn in as Chairman of the Agricultural Commission, to serve until June 16, 2017.
June 9, 2014 Heather Lennon was sworn in as Vice-Chair of the Historical Commission, to serve until June 30, 2017.
June 9, 2014 Elizabeth Cahill was sworn in as a member of the Board of Registrars, to serve until June 3, 2017.
June 9, 2014 Johnna Doyle was sworn in as Chair of the Recreation Committee, to serve until June 30, 2017.
June 10, 2014 Joan Richards was sworn in as member of Historical Commission, to serve until June 30, 2015.
June 10, 2014 Barbara J. Bartlett was sworn in as a Registrar of Voters, effective May 6, 2014, and as Burial Agent, effective May 13, 2014 until such time as a new Burial Agent is appointed.
June 16, 2014 Matthew W. Carpenter was sworn in as a member of the Finance Committee, to serve until May 9, 2016.
June 17, 2014 An Act Providing for Recall Elections in the Town of Lancaster (Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2014) was signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick.
June 17, 2014 Garrett Sheahan was sworn in as a reappointed member of the Historical Commission, to serve until September 9, 2015.
June 18, 2014 Nicole Jimino Kanis was sworn in as a reappointed Member of the Council on Aging, to serve until June 30, 2017.
June 20, 2014 Susan Smiley was sworn in as a reappointed Member of the Thayer Field Campus Committee to serve until 5/6/2017.
June 24, 2014 Eugene C. Christoph was sworn in as a reappointed Member of the Board of Appeals, to serve until June 30, 2019.
June 25, 2014 Ronald W. Valinski, Jr., was sworn in and reappointed as Sealer of Weights & Measures and Measurer of Wood & Bark, to serve until June 30, 2015.
July 7, 2014 Tom Soldi was sworn in and reappointed as Alternative Inspector of Plumbing & Gas, to serve until June 30, 2015.
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July 7, 2014 Kevin D. Lamb, Police Chief, was sworn in and reappointed as Keeper of the Lockup, to serve until June 30, 2015.
July 8, 2014 Phyllis Tower was sworn in and reappointed as Animal Inspector (Barn Book), to serve until April 30, 2015.
July 8, 2014 Phyllis Tower was sworn in and reappointed as Animal Control Officer, to serve until June 30, 2015.
July 8, 2014 Jeanne G. Rich was sworn in and reappointed as a Member of the Board of Appeals, to serve until June 30, 2019.
July 9, 2014 Theodore Manning was sworn in and reappointed as a Member of the Recreation Committee, to serve until June 30, 2017.
July 9, 2014 Carolyn Stump was sworn in and reappointed as a Member of the Commission on Disability, to serve until June 30, 2017.
July 9, 2014 Alfred M. Roberts was sworn in and reappointed as Wiring Inspector, to serve until June 30, 2015.
July 9, 2014 Michael McCue was sworn in and reappointed as a Member of the Commission on Disability, to serve until June 30, 2017.
July 10, 2014 Eileen M. McRell was sworn in and reappointed as a Member of the Council on Aging, to serve until June 30, 2017.
July 14, 2014 Wilfred Delorey was sworn in and appointed as Inspector of Plumbing & Gas, to serve until June 30, 2015.
July 28, 2014 Mark D. Eaton was sworn in as Alternate Member of the Board of Appeals.
July 17, 2014 Matthew Hourihan was sworn in as a member of the Thayer Field Campus.
September 2, 2014 Debra Sanders was sworn in as a member of the Board of Assessors.
September 24, 2014 Mary Dowling resigned from the Lancaster Cultural Council.
October 30, 2014 Gerard Bourque was sworn in as the Veteran’s Services Officer.
November 7, 2014 Police Chief Kevin D. Lamb retired.
November 7, 2014 Sgt. Edwin Burgwinkel was sworn in as Acting Police Chief, effective immediately until such time as a full time Police Chief is appointed by the Board.
November 19, 2014 Michelle Jones was sworn in as a member of the Council on Aging.
November 20, 2014 Eugene Christoph resigned from the Lancaster Board of Appeals.
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November 21, 2014 Jennifer Leone was sworn in as a member of the Board of Selectmen.
November 21, 2014 Eugene Christoph was sworn in as a member of the Board of Selectmen.
December 1, 2014 Thomas P. Soldi was sworn in as Inspector of Plumbing & Gas.
December 1, 2014 Kenneth Poulin was sworn in as Alternate Inspector of Plumbing & Gas.
December 1, 2014 Mary de Alderete was sworn in as a member of the Board of Registrars.
December 31, 2014 Phil Keating resigned from the Animal Control Commission as of December 31, 2014.
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XII. ELECTIONS AND TOWN MEETINGS
WARRANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MARCH 10, 2014
WARRANT FOR
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
March 10, 2014
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester, ss.
To any Constable in the Town of Lancaster in the County of Worcester,
GREETINGS:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster qualified to vote in the elections and Town affairs, to meet at Mary Rowlandson Elementary School Auditorium, 103 Hollywood Drive, in said Lancaster on Monday, the tenth day of March 2014, at 7:00 o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following Articles:
ARTICLE 1
Citizen’s Petition
To see if the Town will vote to petition the Great and General Court to adopt a special act in substantially the form set forth below, and to allow the Legislature to make necessary clerical changes, or take any other action relative thereto: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR RECALL ELECTIONS IN THE TOWN OF LANCASTER Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows: SECTION 1. Any holder of an elective office in the town of Lancaster may be recalled from office for any reason by the registered voters of the town as provided in this act. SECTION 2. An initial recall affidavit signed by at least 50 registered voters of the town containing their names and addresses may be filed with the town clerk. That initial recall affidavit shall contain the name of the officer, the office sought to be recalled and a statement of the grounds for recall. The town clerk shall immediately forward the recall affidavit to the board of registrars for verification of signatures. SECTION 3. Within 14 calendar days of receipt of the initial recall affidavit, the board of registrars of voters shall (1) verify the signatures on the initial recall affidavit and if found to contain a sufficient
169 number of signatures, (2) the town clerk shall thereupon deliver the first 10 signers of the affidavit a formal numbered printed recall petition sheet with the town clerk’s official seal, and addressed to the board of selectmen demanding the recall. The town clerk shall fill out the top portion of each recall petition sheet naming the elected official, the grounds for recall stated in the petition, the names of the first 10 voters signing the affidavit, and shall demand the election of a successor to the office. A copy of the recall petition shall be entered in a record book to be kept in the office of the town clerk. The town’s registered voters making the initial affidavit shall then have 30 days from the date of delivery of the recall petition sheets in which to file their signed recall petition sheets with the town clerk. To proceed with the recall election, the town clerk shall receive by said 30-day deadline, the required number of signed recall petition sheets containing the signatures, names and street addresses of at least ten percent (10%) of the registered voters of the town as of the date the signed recall petition sheets are delivered to the town clerk. Within 5 working days of receipt, the town clerk shall submit the recall petition sheets to the board of registrars of voters and the board of registrars of voters shall forthwith certify thereon the number of signatures which are names of registered voters of the town. SECTION 4. If the total recall petition sheets shall be found and certified by the board of registrars of voters to be sufficient, it shall be submitted with the certificate of the town clerk to the board of selectmen without delay. The board of selectmen shall forthwith give written notice of the receipt of the certificate to the officer sought to be recalled. If the officer does not resign within 5 calendar days of the date notice is given from the selectmen, then the board of selectmen shall promptly order an election to be held on a date fixed by them not less than 64 nor more than 90 days after the date the election is called after receipt of the certificate; but, if any other town election is scheduled to occur within 90 days after the date of said certificate, the board of selectmen may postpone the holding of the recall election to the date of such other election and may include the question of recall on the ballot for such other election. If a vacancy occurs in the office after a recall election has been ordered, the election shall nevertheless proceed as provided in this act. SECTION 5. An officer sought to be removed may be a candidate to succeed himself in an election to be held to fill the vacancy. Unless the officer requests otherwise in writing, the town clerk shall place his or her name on the ballot without nomination. The nomination of other candidates, the publication of the warrant for the recall election and the conduct of the same, shall all be in accordance with the law relating to elections, unless otherwise provided in this act. SECTION 6. The incumbent shall continue to perform the duties of the office until the recall election. If the incumbent is not recalled, he shall continue in office for the remainder of the unexpired term, subject to recall as before, except as provided in this act. If not re-elected in the recall election, he shall be considered removed from office immediately and the office vacant. SECTION 7. Ballots used in a recall election shall contain the following question: shall (insert name and office) be recalled from office? Immediately at the right of the proposition, there shall be a designated place for voters to vote for or against the proposition. Following the proposition shall appear the word “Candidates” with directions to voters as required by section 42 of chapter 54 of the General Laws. Beneath the word “Candidates” appears the names of candidates nominated as hereinbefore provided. If a majority of the votes cast upon the question of recall are in favor of recall, the officer shall be recalled and the votes for the candidates shall be counted. In such an instance, the candidate receiving
170 the highest number of votes shall be declared elected for the open office. If less than a majority of the votes cast are in favor of recall, the votes for candidates need not be counted. SECTION 8. An initial recall affidavit shall not be filed against an officer within 3 months after the officer takes office or within the last 3 months of the term; nor, in the case of an officer subjected to a recall election and not recalled thereby, until at least 3 months have elapsed after the election at which the recall was submitted to the voters of the town. SECTION 9. A person who has been recalled from an office or who has resigned from office while a recall petition was pending against him shall not be appointed to any town office within 2 years after the recall or resignation.
ARTICLE 2
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the following sums of money, to be expended by the respective Departments or Officers indicated, for the capital projects and purchases itemized and described; or act in any manner relating thereto. a. Elevator Construction Amount: $60,000
Funds to be expended by: Board of Selectmen
Purpose: To construct an elevator for the Community Center and Memorial School Building(s)
Funding Source: Free Cash
The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
ARTICLE 3
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow the sum of $116,000 (One Hundred Sixteen Thousand Dollars) for the removal of the Bartlett Pond Dam and apparent improvements to the Robert Frommer Conservation area; to authorize the Board of Selectmen to take any action and execute any agreements necessary to effectuate such removal and improvements, and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer-Collector with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is hereby authorized to borrow said sum pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 44, Section 7, or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen; or act in any manner relating thereto.
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The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting up attested copies thereof at the South Lancaster Post Office, the Center Post Office, the Fifth Meeting House and the Town Hall, in said Town fourteen days at least before the time for holding said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of the Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
SELECTMEN OF LANCASTER
Jean M. Syria, Chair.
Susan M. Smiley, Vice- Chair/Clerk
Stanley B. Starr, Member
Date of Execution
CONSTABLE'S CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that I posted an attested a copy of this Warrant at the South Lancaster Post Office, the Center Post Office, the Fifth Meeting House, and the Town Hall on the date attested. I further certify that this Warrant was posted in accordance with the By-laws of the Town of Lancaster and the provisions of M.G.L. c
Attest:
______Constable Date:
______
The full text of the Warrant is available in the Town Hall and Thayer Memorial Library.
The Warrant will also be available at Town Meeting.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MARCH 10, 2014, ABBREVIATED NOTES
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING LANCASTER MASSACHUSETTS Mary Rowlandson Elementary School March 10, 2014
Abbreviated Notes
The Special Town Meeting, which was called by Citizen’s Petition, was called to order at 7:31 p.m. by Moderator David I. Spanagel. A total of 351 registered voters and 19 non-voting guests were signed in by Registrars John Ranieri, Mary Perreira and Kevin Baer. Moderator Spanagel introduced the people on the stage: Board of Selectmen (BOS) Members Jean M. Syria, Susan E. Smiley, and Stanley B. Starr, Jr.; Finance Committee (FinCom) Members James E. “Jay” Riley, Jr., Michelle Vasquez, and Matthew Carpenter; Atty. Mark Reich of Kopelman & Paige (Town Counsel), Finance Director Cheryl Gariepy, and Assistant Town Clerk Barbara Bartlett. Moderator Spanagel also made note that Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco was seated in the audience and was available to speak and answer questions on the evening’s articles.
After leading the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Moderator Spanagel asked for a moment of silence in honor of several local residents who has passed away since the Special Town Meeting in October:
Moira Taylor
August 5, 1929 – November 18, 2013
Nancy D. Moran
July 8, 1932 – January 21, 2014
Helen M. MacBrayne
January 20, 1926 – January 31, 2014
George E. Robinson, Sr
September 8, 1929 – March 4, 2014
Delwin R. Braman
April 21, 1929 – March 7, 2014
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Moderator Spanagel introduced the vote counters for the evening: Mary Frost, John McGarity, and Jeanne Rich. He also explained that a Temporary Clerk would need to be elected by ballot vote, to act in the capacity of the Town Clerk who could not be at the meeting, and asked for nominations. Eugene Christoph nominated Assistant Town Clerk Barbara Bartlett, which was seconded by Victor Koivumaki. There were no other nominations. A hand vote was taken, and the vote was unanimous. Moderator David Spanagel cast one paper ballot for Barbara Bartlett for Temporary Town Clerk.
Moderator Spanagel explained that there was one article in which he would like to participate in debate as a resident and invited nominations for Deputy Moderator for that part of the meeting. He identified an experienced moderator in the audience, James Burgoyne. Stanley Starr, Jr. made a motion to elect James Burgoyne as Deputy Moderator and motion was seconded by Joanne Foster. Vote was unanimous.
The procedures of Town Meeting were explained, and Moderator Spanagel invited debate and remarks from residents, and requested that remarks be kept to a maximum of two minutes.
A motion was made from the floor by Eugene Christoph to change the agenda for the meeting to move the second and third articles forward. Motion was seconded by Jay Riley, and Moderator Spanagel called for a vote to change the meeting agenda to: Article 2, Article 3, Article 1. Motion passed with 1 negative vote.
Barbara Bartlett swore in James M. Burgoyne as Deputy Moderator, and David Spanagel swore in Barbara Bartlett as Temporary Clerk, and the meeting got underway.
Article 2 – On a motion by Susan Smiley and a second by Jean Syria, the Town voted to approve the Capital Project appropriation and funding therefor as printed in the Warrant: $60,000.00 for the purpose of constructing an elevator for the Community Center and Memorial School Building(s) from Free Cash. Motion passed with 1 negative vote.
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Article 3 – On a motion by Stanley B. Starr, Jr. and a second by Jean M. Syria, the Town voted to authorize the Treasurer/Collector with the approval of the Board of Selectmen to borrow the sum of $116,000 for the removal of the Bartlett Pond Dam and improvements to the Robert Frommer Conservation area; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to take any action and execute any agreements necessary to effectuate such removal and improvements. A 2/3rds majority vote was required for passage; a hand count was called and the article passed by a vote of 298 yeas and 4 nays.
Deputy Moderator James Burgoyne took the podium and explained that the meeting is result of a citizen’s petition, explained Article 1 and its purpose, and made the decision to use secret ballots for the vote on this article.
David Dunn, 129 Moffett St, moved that the Town petition the General Court to adopt a Special Act providing for Recall Elections in the Town of Lancaster, said Act to be substantially as set forth in the warrant, provided however, that the Legislature may make such clerical changes or amendments as may be deemed necessary and appropriate to immediately effectuate said Act. Motioned seconded by Eugene Christoph.
John C. Schumacher, 2 Main St, moved to amend Article 1 [by striking the text “from office for any reason by the voters of the town as provided in this act” and replacing with “and removed from office by the registered voters of the town as provided in this act, for the reason of lack of fitness, incompetence, neglect of duties, corruption, malfeasance or violation of oath” in Section 1; and in Section 2 by replacing the number 50 registered voters with 200; and in Section 3 by replacing the number ten percent of the registered voters, with twenty percent.]
Sarah Spencer, 674 Main St, and Carolyn Stump, 567 Mill St Ext, spoke in favor of the amended text, and Robert Smith, 31 Lee St, stated he would like the percentage in Section 3 changed to thirty-five percent. David Dunn, 129 Moffett St, stated he would like to vote on the Article as not amended and made a motion to move the question. Motion carries, debate is closed. The motion to amend is defeated.
David Spanagel, 282 Goss Ln, spoke in favor of the motion, and explained the history of recall elections; James Ford, 1813 Shirley Rd, spoke in support of Article 1; Joann Foster, 47 Center Bridge Rd, spoke against the recall article. William
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Bartlett, 97 Langen Rd, made a motion to move the question. The motion passed; debate was closed.
Barbara Bartlett verified that ballot boxes were empty, and Deputy Moderator Burgoyne explained the procedure for ballot vote. Police Chief Kevin Lamb, and Barbara Bartlett, observed voters casting ballots. Votes were counted by Barbara Bartlett and John McGarity, and the count was observed by Town Counsel Atty. Mark Reich, Police Chief Kevin Lamb, Deputy Moderator James Burgoyne, and counters Mary Frost and Jeanne Rich. After final count, Article 1 passed by majority vote with 287 yeas and 58 nays.
There being no further business, Deputy Moderator Burgoyne thanked the audience for their participation and accepted a motion and a second to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, MAY 5, 2014
WARRANT FOR
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
May 5, 2014
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester, ss.
To any Constable of the Town of Lancaster in the County of Worcester,
GREETINGS:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster qualified to vote in the elections and Town affairs, to meet at Mary Rowlandson Elementary School Auditorium, 103 Hollywood Drive, in said Lancaster on Monday, the fifth day of May 2014, at 7:00 o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following Articles:
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ARTICLE 1
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $106,000 (One Hundred and Six Thousand Dollars) from the Renewable Energy Enterprise Fund to finance the operation of the Landfill Solar Array for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 (detail below), or act in any manner relating thereto. The operating expenses for the Renewable Energy Enterprise Fund are entirely funded by solar array revenue. The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article.
I. Renewable Energy Enterprise Revenues
Sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates 90,000
Qualified Energy Conservation Bond Subsidy 18,000
Total Revenues 108,000
II. Costs Appropriated in the Enterprise Fund
Maintenance Expenses 10,000
Debt Principal and Interest 90,000
Capital Outlay (Shed, ) 6,000
Total Costs Appropriated in E. F. 106,000
ARTICLE 2
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $105,000 (One Hundred and Five Thousand Dollars) from the Renewable Energy Enterprise Fund to finance the operation of the Landfill Solar Array for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014 (detail below), or act in any manner relating thereto. The operating expenses for the Renewable Energy Enterprise Fund are entirely funded by solar array revenue. The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article.
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I. Renewable Energy Enterprise Revenues
Sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates 120,000
Qualified Energy Conservation Bond Subsidy 18,000
Total Revenues 138,000
II. Costs Appropriated in the Enterprise Fund
Maintenance Expenses 10,000
Debt Principal and Interest 90,000
Capital Outlay (Shed, ) 5,000
Total Costs Appropriated in E. F. 105,000
ARTICLE 3
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $17,980,668 (Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Dollars) by taxation, by transfer from available funds, from the Water Enterprise Fund, by borrowing, by transfer from Overlay Surplus, by transfer from fund balance reserved for school debt, or any combination thereof; to defray the expenses of the Town for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014, or act in any manner relating thereto. The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
The Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 will be available at Town Meeting
ARTICLE 4
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the following sums of money, to be expended by the respective Departments or Officers indicated, for the capital projects and purchases itemized and described; or act in any manner relating thereto.
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b. Fire Engine Purchase Amount: $50, 000
Funds to be expended by: Fire Department
Purpose: Lease down payment for one (1) Engine for the Fire Department
Funding Source: Capital Stabilization Fund
Thayer Field
Amount: $40,000
Funds to be expended by: Recreation Committee
Purpose: To design, engineering, and permitting services for Thayer Field
Funding Source: Capital Stabilization Fund c. Police Department Amount: $39,000
Funds to be expended by: Police Department
Purpose: To purchase one (1) new police vehicle
Funding Source: Sale of Town Owned Land
The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
ARTICLE 5
Water Enterprise Fund
Board of Public Works
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate from the Water Enterprise Fund to finance the operation of the Water Department for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014 (detail below), or act in any manner relating thereto. The operating expenses for the Water Enterprise are entirely funded by water revenue. The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
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I. Water Enterprise Revenues
User Charges 884,000
Connection Fees 12,000
Water Enterprise Available Funds 0
Investment Income 0
Total Revenues 896,000
II. Costs Appropriated in the Enterprise Fund
Salaries and Wages 226,358
Expenses 156,700
Reserve Fund 30,000
Debt Principal and Interest 168,130
Cross Connection 12,000
Budgeted Surplus 145,763
Capital Outlay 35,000
Indirect Costs to General Fund 122,049
Total Costs Appropriated in E. F. 896,000
ARTICLE 6
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see of the Town will vote to transfer from Water Free Cash (Retained Earnings) the following sums of money, to be expended by the respective Departments or Officers indicated, for the capital projects and purchases itemized and described; or act in any manner relating thereto.
a. North Main Street Water Line Amount: $200,000
Funds to be expended by: Board of Public Works
Purpose: Clean and Reline North Main Street Water Line
Funding Source: Water Retained Earnings
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b. Paint Water Storage Tank Amount: $150,000
Funds to be expended by: Board of Public Works
Purpose: Paint 1.5 million gallon storage tank
Funding Source: Water Retained Earnings
d. Neck Road Water Line Amount: $32,020
Funds to be expended by: Board of Public Works
Purpose: Continued Replacement of the Neck Road Water Line
Funding Source: Water Retained Earnings
The Finance Committee Recommends passage of this article
ARTICLE 7
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to request the Board of Assessors to commit $20,000 from the FY2015 Overlay Account for Abatements to fund the Senior Citizen Tax Work-off Abatement Program, or act in any manner relating thereto.
The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
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ARTICLE 8
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the care, custody, management and control of that parcel of land and the improvements thereon located at 800 Main Street and depicted as Parcel 14 on Assessors’ Map 34, from such board and for such purpose as it is presently held, to the Board of Selectmen for general municipal purposes and the purpose of conveyance, and further to authorize the Board of Selectmen, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, to convey all or a portion of such land or interests in such land upon such terms and for such consideration as the Selectmen deem appropriate, and to enter into all agreements and take all other actions necessary or appropriate to carry out this transaction, or to act in any manner relating thereto
The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
ARTICLE 9
Finance Committee
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the following FY-2015 Revolving Funds, in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §53E½, or act in any manner relating thereto:
Authorized FY2013
Revolving Fund To Revenue Source Use of Fund Spending Balance
Expend Limit Disposition
Stormwater Planning Board fees Engineering fees $3,000 Available for Management Expenditure
Library Charges Library Trustees Late book, materials, Books, materials, $8,000 Available for photocopy, lost item photocopy equipment Expenditure fees/charges and supplies
Recreation Committee Recreation Committee Fees/charges Program expenses and $35,000 Available for supplies Expenditure
Duval Road Sewer Board of Selectmen Fees charges Use and maintenance $5,000 Available for charges Expenditure
Community Center Board of Directors Fees/charges Program expenses $10,000 Available for Expenditure
M.A.R.T. Council on Aging Reimbursement – Wages/Expenses $55,000 Available for M.A.R.T Bus fees Senior Van Expenditure
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Authorized FY2013
Revolving Fund To Revenue Source Use of Fund Spending Balance
Expend Limit Disposition
Planning Board Planning Board Fees Planning related $20,000 Available for Expenditure Services/ expenses
Publications Town Clerk Publication Fees Publications $2,500 Available for Reprinting reprinting expenses Expenditure
Recycling Recycling Committee Donations-Fees-Sale Operating Expenses $15,000 Available for of Products Expenditure
Community Community Reimbursement for Legal Ad publication $2,500 Available for Development/Legal Development & Advertising & re-printing Expenditure Ads Planning
Agricultural Agricultural Fee/charges Farmer’s $2,000 Available for Commission Commission Market/Other fees Expenditure
Conservation Conservation Fee from applicants Conservation $15,000 Available for Consultants Commission consultant services Expenditure
Police Department Board of Selectmen Cruiser Fee Operating Expenses $1,000 Available for Expenditure
The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
Article 10
Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to accept any public funds for repairs to roadways, culverts, bridges, water systems, tree planting, and snow removal, and to authorize the Collector- Treasurer to take from available funds or to borrow in anticipation of authorized reimbursements, or act in any manner relating thereto.
The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article
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Article 11
Conservation Commission
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, borrow, or otherwise provide a sum of money to be expended by the Conservation Commission, upon such terms as the Commission deems appropriate, for the purchase and all costs related thereto of one or more interests in land, which may be a conservation restriction, in all or a part of five tracts of land in Lancaster totaling approximately 17.85 acres and being identified by map and parcel numbers in the Lancaster Assessor’s records, and Book and Page numbers in the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, as follows:
Lancaster Assessor’s Map/Parcel Worcester District Book/Page
Tract I 28/007 7612/070
Tract II 28/008 7775/324
Tract III 28/012 5078/349
Tract IV 29/017 2905/251
Tract V 29/018 2942/446;
such interests in land to be acquired for conservation purposes and to be held in the care, custody, control and management of said Conservation Commission pursuant to the provisions of General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C, provided, however, that such funds may be expended by the Town only upon the award of a Conservation Partnership Grant by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Lancaster Land Trust (the “Trust”) for at least 50% of the price paid by the Trust to purchase the fee interest in said five tracts of land; and further, to authorize the Conservation Commission and/or the Board of Selectmen to enter into any and all agreements and execute any and all instruments to accomplish the foregoing, or act in any manner relating thereto.
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Article 12
Conservation Commission
To see if the Town will vote to establish for the use of the Conservation Commission a Conservation Fund pursuant to the provisions of the Conservation Commission Act (M.G.L. Ch. 40 §8C; the “Act”). As described and authorized in the Act, the Treasurer shall be the custodian of said Conservation Fund (the “Fund”), shall make deposits to the Fund, invest proceeds, and credit to the Fund the income derived therefrom. The Conservation Commission shall have the sole authorization to make expenditures from the Fund for any purpose authorized by the Act, except as may be otherwise directed by Town Meeting for any appropriation to the Fund authorized by Town Meeting, and that no expenditure for a taking by eminent domain shall be made unless such expenditure has been approved in accordance with the Act. Town Meeting may appropriate money to the Conservation Fund in any year, and the Fund may receive gifts and donations; or act in any manner relating thereto.
Article 13
Conservation Commission
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the care, custody, and control of the following three parcels of land from such board and for such purpose as it is presently held to the Conservation Commission for conservation purposes pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8C, and by such transfer restrict, designate and dedicate such land for conservation purposes so that the land shall be protected under Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, said parcels to be managed by the Town Forest Committee under the direction of the Conservation Commission; or act in any manner relating thereto:
Assessors’ Map and Parcel Street Address Size (Ac) Deed Book/Page
28-0013.0 Brockelman Road 9.80+ N/A
29-0015.0 Old County Road 24.00+ 50796/198
29-0016.0 Old County Road 7.60+ 3893/323
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Article 14
Planning Board
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Lancaster Zoning Bylaw and the Official Zoning Map as follows:
• Amend the Zoning Bylaw to delete all references to the Highway Business (HB) district;
• Amend §220-4 and §220-5 of the Zoning Bylaw and the Official Zoning Map to delete the Highway Business (HB) district in its entirety and place those parcels of land now located all or in part within that district within the following districts:
• Assessor’s Map 38, Parcel 108 from the HB district into the NB district
• Assessor’s Map 38, Parcel 107 from the HB district and Residential (R) district into the NB district
• Assessor’s Map 38, Parcel 109 from the HB district and R district into the NB district
• Assessor’s Map 38, Parcel 88 from the HB district and Light Industry (LI) district into the NB district
• Assessor’s Map 38, Parcel 106 from the HB district and R district into the R district
• Assessor’s Map 38, Parcel 109.A from the HB district and R district into the R district
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• Assessor’s Map 39, Parcel 4 from the HB district and R district into the R district
as shown on the “Lancaster, MA: Official Zoning Map” prepared by the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission dated January 2014; or act in any manner relating thereto.
Article 15
Planning Board
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Use Regulation Schedule of the Lancaster Zoning Bylaw, incorporated therein as §220-8, to change, add or delete uses as follows:
1. Add “farmers market” and “art galleries” as permitted uses in all districts;
2. Allow the following uses in the NB district by special permit issued by the Board of Appeals:
- “living facility for seniors”;
- “multifamily dwelling other than a living facility for seniors”;
- “boarding, training, or veterinary care of more than two animals within a structure if not exempted by MGL, c.40A, §3”;
- “facilities for active outdoor recreation utilizing motorized equipment”;
- “other active outdoor recreation facilities in a predominantly natural setting”;
- “day camp accessory to a permitted use”;
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- “long-term care facility”;
- “car washing establishments”;
- “medical clinics”;
3. Allow “dry-cleaning and laundry establishments” by special permit issued by the Board of Appeals in the NB, LI and LI2 districts and prohibit them in the GI district;
4. Allow “Health and Fitness Centers” as of right in the LI and LI2 districts, and by special permit in the NB district;
5. Change the special permit granting authority from the Board of Appeals to the Planning Board for “Personal wireless service facilities regulated under Article XI of Ch. 220” in the EZ district;
all as further shown on the amended Use Regulation Schedule set forth below, with the uses to be deleted or amended shown in strikethrough and the uses to be inserted shown by underlined text, or act in any manner relating thereto.
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220 Attachment 1
Town of Lancaster
Use Regulation Schedule
§ 220-8
KEY:
P = A use permitted as a matter of right in the district, subject to all applicable dimensional and special regulations.
SP = A use permitted only upon granting of a special permit by the Board of Appeals, subject to any additional limitations which may be required by the Board.
PB= A use permitted only upon granting of a special permit by the Planning Board, subject to any additional limitations which may be required by the Board.
N = A use prohibited in the district.
Zoning Districts Notes Item Use R NB HB LI LI2 GI EZ § 220-8.1. RESIDENTIAL USES. Principal uses A. Single-family P P N N N N N One per lot. detached dwelling B. Two-family dwelling P N N N N N N Only by conversion of single-family dwelling existing 2-13-1950, without exterior building change except for required exits and ventilation, and the total habitable floor area of at least 1,536 square feet. C. Living facility for SP N N N N N PB See § 220-9A. seniors SP D. Multifamily dwelling SP N N N N N N Either as provided at other than a living SP § 220-9C or as provided facility for seniors at
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§ 220-15D. E. Mobile home as N N N N N N N principal use Accessory uses AA. Rental of one or two P P P P P P P rooms within a single- family detached dwelling, without housekeeping facilities AB. Accessory apartment SP SP SP SP SP SP SP See § 220-9G. in a single-family dwelling with no change in the principal use of the premises BB. Central dining, P P P P P P P recreation and administrative facilities exclusively for the tenants of group facilities CC. Home occupation or P P P P P P P Occupying no more professional office, as than 300 square feet provided at § 220-9D floor area. SP P P P P P P Occupying over 300 square feet floor area. DD. Accessory buildings P P P P P P P for noncommercial use by residents of the premises only, such as garages, boathouses, storage sheds, greenhouses EE. Outdoor storage in side P P P P P P P All parts are to be and rear yards only of attached and in place, no more than one of and at any subsequent each: change of ownership of (1) unregistered motor the premises all vehicle; partially disassembled (2) unoccupied mobile or inoperative home; equipment shall no (3) commercial longer be stored vehicle with (except outdoors.
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farm equipment on farms) not more than four wheels. FF. A mobile home for P P P P P P P Requires license temporary dwelling application within three purposes days of placing unit within Town; license to be for no more than 30 days. § 220-8.2. RURAL USES. Principal uses A. Agriculture, P P P P P P P horticulture, floriculture and viticulture exempted from prohibition by MGL c. 40A, § 3 B. Keeping of poultry or SP N N N N N N No building housing livestock on parcels of poultry shall be within less than five acres or 150 feet of a property where otherwise not line; no outdoor storage exempted by MGL c. of odor-producing 40A, § 3 substances or fenced poultry shall be less than 100 feet from an off- premises dwelling, and no livestock shall be permitted within 50 feet of an off-premises dwelling. C. Retail sales of SP SP SP SP SP P P The major portion of produce from goods sold must have agricultural and been raised and related uses, prepared on the greenhouses, cider premises. mills, sawmills, if not exempted by MGL c. 40A, § 3 D. Boarding, training, or SP N P P P N PB veterinary care of SP more than two animals within a structure if not exempted by MGL c. 40A, § 3
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E. Farmers market P P -- P P P P Accessory uses AA. Roadside stands, as P P P P P P P specified in MGL c. 40A, § 3 BB. Customary farm P P P P P P P accessory buildings § 220-8.3. RECREATIONAL AND AMUSEMENT USES. Principal uses A. Seasonal cottages in SP N N N N N N Fire Department to be institutional, group or consulted re: adequacy commercial of operating season management, and access. camping grounds for tents or camp trailers B. Day camps, private SP N N N N N N No active play space playgrounds not part within 100 feet of any of a school residential lot line. C. Facilities for active SP N SP SP SP N PB outdoor recreation SP utilizing motorized equipment D. Other active outdoor SP N P P P N P recreation facilities in SP a predominantly natural setting E. Commercial indoor N N P N N N P See disturbance amusement or standard of § 220-36A. recreation place or place of assembly F. Airport, air landing N N N SP SP SP N strip G. Drive-in movie N N N N N N N theater H. Health and fitness N N N PB PB N P center SP P P I. Adult entertainment N N N N -- N N uses Accessory uses AA. Accessory structures SP P P P P P P Such accessory uses as
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customarily incidental food service, lounges, and subordinate to repair or sale of permitted principal sporting equipment, uses etc., to be intended primarily for the convenience of members or customers of the principal facility. BB. Structures accessory SP N N N N N N to the practice of a sport, such as ski tows or jumps, boat landings or bath houses CC. Summer schools as SP N N N N N P part of a seasonal camp, sport instruction DD. Dwellings for the P P P P P P P owners and staff of uses permitted in § 220-8.3 EE. Day camp accessory SP N N N N N P to a permitted use SP § 220-8.4. PUBLIC, HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL USES. Principal uses A. Underground or SP SP SP SP SP SP SP If personal wireless overhead PB service facilities communications, gas, regulated under Article electrical, sewerage, XI of Ch. 220. drainage, water, P P P P P P P If not regulated under traffic, fire, and police Article XI, and system services, provided by a public appurtenant service corporation or equipment, and governmental agencies. installations SP SP SP SP SP SP PB If not regulated under Article XI, and provided by other than a public service corporation or governmental agency. B. Religious and P P P P P P P If exempt from prohibition under MGL
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educational uses c. 40A, § 3. SP P P N N N P If a use, such as a commercial school, not exempt from prohibition under MGL c. 40A, § 3. C. Nonprofit community P P P P P P P If no more than 500 centers, places of square feet used for public assembly, assembly; to include no lodges, service or use customarily fraternal or civic conducted as a corporations business. SP P P N N N PB If containing more than 500 square feet used for assembly; or a use customarily conducted as a business. D. Long-term care SP N N N N N PB See § 220-9B. facility. SP Accessory uses AA. Customary accessory P P P P P P P No play area to be uses if adjacent to the within 100 feet of a principal use or if residential district. permitted as a principal use BB. Other customary SP SP SP SP SP SP PB accessory uses CC. Heliports N N N PB PB PB PB § 220-8.5. RETAIL, SERVICE AND OFFICE USES. Principal uses A. Retail stores; craft, N P P P P N P 1. If all displays, consumer, storage and sales professional or conducted within a commercial building; and no establishments motorized vehicles dealing directly with handled. And the general public, 2. Within the EZ unless more district, permitted only specifically listed within sub-district EZ- below A, and the gross floor area is less than 5,000 sq. ft.
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N SP P SP SP N PB 1. If having displays, storage or sales conducted outside a building; or if motorized vehicles are handled. Or 2. Within the EZ district, permitted only within sub-district EZ- A, and the gross floor area is between 5,000 and 100,000 sq. ft. B. Shopping center N N P N N N PB Within EZ district, permitted only within sub-district EZ-A See definition, § 220-3. C. Gasoline service N SP P P P N PB stations, including minor repairs only D. Sales, rental, and N N P P P N P repairs of motor vehicles, mobile homes, farm implements or boats E. Car washing N N SP SP SP N PB establishments SP F. Dry-cleaning and N P P P P P PB laundry SP SP SP N establishments G. Funeral parlor, N SP SP N N N PB undertaking establishments H. Hotels, motels, inns N SP SP N N N PB I. Restaurants N P P P P P P If no drive-in or drive- through facility, no entertainment. N SP SP N N SP PB If having drive-in or drive-through facilities or entertainment. J. Medical clinics N PB PB PB PB N PB SP K. Administrative offices N P -- P P P P of non-profit
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organizations L. Other offices, banks N P P P P P P M. Art galleries P P -- P P P P Accessory uses AA. Outdoor storage or N N P P P N P See § 220-9F. display of goods BB. Manufacture, N P P P P N P (1) Such operations not assembly, packaging to occupy more than or treatment of goods half of the floor area sold or handled on the occupied by the premises in principal use alone; connection with the (2) Not more than three principal use persons to be so employed on the premises in a NB District or more than five in a HB District. CC. Retail sales or N P P SP SP SP P Not to occupy more restaurant than 10% of the floor area of a structure chiefly devoted to other permitted uses. DD. Heliports N N N PB PB PB PB § 220-8.6. INDUSTRIAL USES. Principal uses A. Printing, publishing, N N N P P P P See § 220-9E. and assembly, finishing, or packaging of products B. Other general N N N SP SP P PB See § 220-9E. All industrial uses, buildings or structures including to be at least 100 feet manufacturing and from any R District, or processing from any dwelling existing prior to adoption of this provision. C. Structures for storage N N N P P P P and distribution of goods, supplies, equipment and
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machinery D. Garages for all types N N N N N P N No vehicle in an of repair of motorized inoperative condition equipment shall remain outdoors on the site in excess of 60 days; no more than five inoperative vehicles to be stored outdoors at any one time. E. Open storage facilities N N N P P P PB All outdoor storage to for lumber, stone, be separated from any brick, gravel, cement district line and from or other bulk any lot line of a materials and dwelling existing prior contractor’s yards to adoption of this bylaw either by a screen or by a strip of at least 100 feet of dense natural vegetation. F. Earth products As regulated by Article IX of Ch. 220. See Article IX. removal G. Junkyards, 3rd class N N N N N N N car license premises, private dumps, whether as principal or accessory use H. Research and N N N P P P PB development, engineering, assembly and construction of models, prototypes, samples and experimental products in connection with research, engineering, or development activities Accessory uses AA. One-family dwelling N N N N N P PB for personnel required for the safe operation or maintenance of a permitted use
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BB. Outdoor storage N N N N N P PB accessory to a principal use CC. Retail outlets for N N N P P P PB (1) Off-street parking is products of the provided in accordance principal industrial with the standards for use retail given in § 220-23; (2) The floor space devoted to retail equals no more than 1/4 the floor space devoted to the principal use. DD. Activities accessory to SP SP SP SP SP SP PB The accessory use must activities permitted in not substantially other districts as a derogate from the matter of right, public good, per MGL whether or not on the c. 40A, § 9. same parcel as the principal permitted use, which are necessary in connection with scientific research or scientific development or related production EE. Heliports N N N PB PB PB PB
Article 16
Planning Board
To see if the Town will vote to amend the “Lancaster, MA: Official Zoning Map” and §220-5 of the Lancaster Zoning Bylaw, as follows:
• Remove the following parcel from the Light Industry (LI) district and place it within the Neighborhood Business (NB) district:
Assessors’ Map 38, Parcel 138
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• Remove the following parcel from the Residential (R) district and place it within the Light Industry (LI) district:
Assessors’ Map 38, Parcel 87 or act in any manner relating thereto.
Article 17
Planning Board
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Lancaster Zoning Bylaw and the Official Zoning Overlay Map as follows to create a Medical Marijuana Overlay District in the location of the existing Light Industry 2 (LI2) district, within which district the operation of a Registered Marijuana Dispensary and associated uses would be allowed pursuant to a special permit from the Planning Board, or act in any manner relating thereto:
1. Insert the following as Article XVI of the Zoning Bylaw:
MEDICAL MARIJUANA OVERLAY DISTRICT
1. Establishment: The Medical Marijuana Overlay District (“MMOD”) is established as an overlay district. The boundaries of the MMOD are shown on the Zoning Map on file with the Town Clerk. Within the MMOD, all requirements of the underlying district(s) remain in effect, except where these regulations provide an alternative to such requirements. Land within the MDOD may be used either for (1) a Registered Marijuana Dispensary (“RMD”), in which case the requirements set forth in this section shall apply; or (2) a use allowed in the underlying district, in which case the requirements of the underlying district shall apply. If the provisions of the MMOD are silent on a zoning regulation, the requirements of the underlying district shall apply. If the provisions of the MMOD conflict with the requirements of the underlying district, the requirements of the MMOD shall control.
2. Purpose: To provide for the placement of RMDs, in accordance with the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana Act, G.L. c.94C, App. §1-1, et seq., in locations suitable for lawful medical marijuana facilities and to minimize adverse impacts of RMDs on adjacent properties, residential neighborhoods, historic districts, schools, playgrounds and other locations where minors congregate by regulating the siting, design, placement, security, and removal of RMDs.
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3. Definitions: Where not expressly defined in the Zoning Bylaws, terms used in the MMOD Bylaw shall be interpreted as defined in the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana Act, G.L. c. 94C, App. §1-1, et seq. and the Department of Public Health Regulations promulgated thereunder, 105 CMR 725.001, et seq., and otherwise by their plain language.
a. Registered Marijuana Dispensary: also known as a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center, means a not-for-profit entity registered under 105 CMR 725.100, that acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes (including development of related products such as edible marijuana-infused products (“MIPs”), tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to registered qualifying patients or their personal caregivers. Unless otherwise specified, RMD refers to the site(s) of dispensing, cultivation, and preparation of marijuana.
4. Location
a. RMDs may be permitted in the MMOD pursuant to a Special Permit.
b. RMDs may not be located within 1,000 feet of the following:
(1) School, including a public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary school or a public or private college, junior college, or university; (2) Child Care Facility; (3) Library; (4) Playground; (5) Public Park; (6) Youth center; (7) Public swimming pool; (8) Video arcade facility; or (9) Similar facility in which minors commonly congregate.
c. The distance under this section is measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the property line of the protected uses identified in Section 4.b. to the nearest point of the property line of the proposed RMD.
d. The distance requirement may be reduced by twenty-five percent or less, but only if:
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(1) The applicant demonstrates that the RMD would otherwise be effectively prohibited within the municipality;
(2) The applicant demonstrates that the RMD will employ adequate security measures to prevent diversion of medical marijuana to minors who are not qualifying patients pursuant to 105 CMR 725.004.
5. Procedure: The Planning Board shall be the Special Permit Granting Authority (SPGA) for a RMD special permit.
a. Application: In addition to the special permit application, the applicant shall include:
(1) A copy of its registration as an RMD from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (“DPH”);
(2) A detailed floor plan of the premises of the proposed RMD that identifies the square footage available and describes the functional areas of the RMD, including areas for any preparation of MIPs;
(3) A detailed site plan that includes the following information:
(a) Compliance with the requirements for parking and loading spaces, for lot size, frontage, yards and heights and coverage of buildings, and all other provisions of this Bylaw;
(b) Convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement on the site and for the location of driveway openings in relation to street traffic;
(c) Convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement off the site, if vehicular and pedestrian traffic off-site can reasonably be expected to be substantially affected by on-site changes;
(d) Adequacy as to the arrangement and the number of parking and loading spaces in relation to the proposed use of the premises, including designated parking for home delivery vehicle(s), as applicable;
(e) Design and appearance of proposed buildings, structures, freestanding signs, screening and landscaping; and
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(f) Adequacy of water supply, surface and subsurface drainage and light.
(4) A description of the security measures, including employee security policies, approved by DPH for the RMD;
(5) A copy of the emergency procedures approved by DPH for the RMD;
(6) A copy of the policies and procedures for patient or personal caregiver home- delivery approved by DPH for the RMD;
(7) A copy of the policies and procedures for the transfer, acquisition, or sale of marijuana between RMDs approved by DPH;
(8) A copy of proposed waste disposal procedures; and
(9) A description of any waivers from DPH regulations issued for the RMD.
b. The SPGA shall refer copies of the application to the Building Department, Fire Department, Police Department, Board of Health, Conservation Commission, and the Department of Public Works. These boards/departments shall review the application and shall submit their written recommendations. Failure to make recommendations within 35 days of referral of the application shall be deemed lack of opposition.
c. After notice and public hearing and consideration of application materials, consultant reviews, public comments, and the recommendations of other town boards and departments, the SPGA may act upon such a permit.
6. Special Permit Conditions on RMDs: The SPGA shall impose conditions reasonably appropriate to improve site design; traffic flow; public safety; protection of water quality, air quality, and significant environmental resources; preservation of the character of the surrounding area and otherwise serve the purpose of this section. In addition to any specific conditions applicable to the applicant’s RMD, the SPGA shall include the following conditions in any special permit granted under this Bylaw:
a. Hours of Operation, including dispatch of home deliveries.
b. The permit holder shall file a copy of any Incident Report required under 105 CMR 725.110(F) with the Zoning Enforcement Officer and the SPGA within 24 hours of creation by the RMD. Such reports may be redacted as necessary to comply with any applicable state or federal laws and regulations.
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c. The permit holder shall file a copy of any summary cease and desist order, cease and desist order, quarantine order, summary suspension order, order limiting sales, notice of a hearing, or final action issued by DPH or the Division of Administrative Law Appeals, as applicable, regarding the RMD with the Zoning Enforcement Officer and SPGA within 48 hours of receipt by the RMD.
d. The permit holder shall provide to the Zoning Enforcement Officer and Chief of the Police Department, the name, telephone number and electronic mail address of a contact person in the event that such person needs to be contacted after regular business hours to address an urgent issue. Such contact information shall be kept updated by the permit holder.
e. The special permit shall lapse within five years of its issuance. If the permit holder wishes to renew the special permit, an application to renew the special permit must be submitted at least 120 days prior to the expiration of the special permit.
f. The special permit shall be limited to the current applicant and shall lapse if the permit holder ceases operating the RMD.
g. The special permit shall lapse upon the expiration or termination of the applicant’s registration by DPH.
h. The permit holder shall notify the Zoning Enforcement Officer and SPGA in writing within 48 hours of the cessation of operation of the RMD or the expiration or termination of the permit holder’s registration with DPH.
7. Exemption from RMD Special Permit Requirement: RMDs that demonstrate that they are protected pursuant to the agricultural exemption under G.L. c.40A §3 are not required to obtain a special permit, but shall apply for Site Plan Approval pursuant to Section 220-34. The requirements of Section 220-34 shall apply by their terms to RMD’s not protected pursuant to G.L. c.40A §3.
8. Prohibition Against Nuisances: No use shall be allowed in the MMOD which creates a nuisance to abutters or to the surrounding area, or which creates any hazard, including but not limited to, fire, explosion, fumes, gas, smoke, odors, obnoxious dust, vapors, offensive noise or vibration, flashes, glare, objectionable effluent or electrical interference, which may impair the normal use and peaceful enjoyment of any property, structure or dwelling in the area.
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9. Severability: The provisions of this Bylaw are severable. If any provision, paragraph, sentence, or clause of this Bylaw or the application thereof to any person, establishment, or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions or application of this Bylaw. 2. Amend § 220-4 Establishment of districts to add the Medical Marijuana Overlay District (MMOD).
3. Amend § 220-5. B Overlay districts to add the following:
“(5) The Medical Marijuana Overlay District (MMOD) is defined on the Official Zoning Overlay Map, as specified at 220 Attachment 3.”
4. Amend § 220-8.4 of the Use Regulation Schedule to add “E. Registered marijuana dispensary”, as follows:
3. I Zoning Districts t Notes e LI Use m R NB HB LI 2 GI EZ § 220-8.4 PUBLIC, HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL USES. A. Underground or SP SP SP SP SP SP SP If personal wireless overhead service facilities communications, regulated under Article gas, electrical, XI of Ch. 220. sewerage, drainage, P P P P P P P If not regulated under water, traffic, fire, Article XI, and provided and police system by a public service services, corporation or appurtenant governmental agencies. equipment, and SP SP SP SP SP SP PB If not regulated under installations Article XI, and provided by other than a public service corporation or governmental agency. B. Religious and P P P P P P P If exempt from educational uses prohibition under MGL c. 40A, § 3.
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SP P P N N N P If a use, such as a commercial school, not exempt from prohibition under MGL c. 40A, § 3. C. Nonprofit P P P P P P P If no more than 500 community centers, square feet used for places of public assembly; to include no assembly, lodges, use customarily service or fraternal conducted as a business. or civic SP P P N N N PB If containing more than corporations 500 square feet used for assembly; or a use customarily conducted as a business. D. Long-term care SP N N N N N PB See § 220-9B. facility E. Registered N N N N - N N As regulated by Article marijuana XVI of Ch. 220. dispensary
Zoning Districts Ite LI m Use R NB HB LI 2 GI EZ Notes Accessory uses AA. Customary P P P P P P P No play area to be accessory uses if within 100 feet of a adjacent to the residential district. principal use or if permitted as a principal use BB. Other customary SP SP SP SP SP SP PB accessory uses CC. Heliports N N N PB PB PB PB
5. Amend the Official Zoning Overlay Map to add the Medical Marijuana Overlay District (MMOD) in the manner shown on the attached copy of said map. The MMOD would overlay the zoning district known as Light Industry 2 (LI2).
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ARTICLE 18
Minuteman Regional Vocational School District
To see if the Town will vote, consistent with Section VII of the existing “Agreement With Respect to the Establishment of a Technical and Vocational Regional School District” for the Minuteman Regional Vocational School District, to accept the amendments to said Agreement which have been initiated and approved by a majority of the Regional School Committee and which have been submitted to the Board of Selectmen of each member town prior to its vote on this article, or act in any manner relating thereto.
Article 19
Citizen’s Petition
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $415,000 (Four Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Dollars) from Free Cash to the Other Post Employment Benefits Trust, or act in any manner relating thereto.
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And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting up attested copies thereof at the South Lancaster Post Office, the Center Post Office, the Fifth Meeting House and the Town Hall, in said Town seven days at least before the time for holding said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of the Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
SELECTMEN OF LANCASTER
Jean M. Syria, Chair.
Susan M. Smiley, Vice- Chair/Clerk
Stanley B. Starr, Member
Date of Execution
CONSTABLE'S CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that I posted an attested a copy of this Warrant at the South Lancaster Post Office, the Center Post Office, the Fifth Meeting House, and the Town Hall on the date attested. I further certify that this Warrant was posted in accordance with the By-laws of the Town of Lancaster and the
Attest:
______Constable
Date:
The full text of the Warrant is available in the Town Hall and Thayer Memorial Library.
The Warrant will also be available at Town Meeting. 207
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, MAY 5, 2014 – ABBREVIATED NOTES
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
LANCASTER MASSACHUSETTS
Mary Rowlandson Elementary School
May 5, 2014
Abbreviated Notes
The Annual Town Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Moderator David I. Spanagel. A total of 146 registered voters and 15 non-voting guests were signed in by Registrars John Ranieri and Mary Perreira, and Kevin Baer. Moderator Spanagel led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and then asked for a moment of silence for residents who had died recently. He then turned the mic over to Board of Selectman (BOS) Chair Jean Syria, who talked about the articles on the warrant and announced the members of the newly formed Town Administrator Search Committee: Mark Eaton, Bonnie Smith, Joanne Foster, Peter Stanton, Jay Riley, Sherry Cutler and Steve Hilliger. She then thanked out- going Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco, whose contract was not renewed by the BOS, and out-going Town Clerk Sue Thompson, who is retiring, for their years of service to the town. Moderator Spanagel then introduced the Town Officials sitting on the stage: Board of Selectmen (BOS) members Jean M. Syria, Stanley B. Starr, Jr., and Susan Smiley; Finance Committee (FinCom) Members Jay Riley, Michelle Vasquez and Matthew Carpenter; and Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco, Finance Director Cheryl Gariepy and Town Clerk Sue Thompson.
Moderator Spanagel spent a few minutes explaining Town Meeting procedures, and the meeting got underway.
BOS Member Stanley B. Starr, Jr. moved that Article 19 be brought forward to follow Article 4 so that all of the finance articles would be dealt with in sequence. FinCom chair Jay Riley seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Article 1 – On a motion by Ms. Syria and a second by Ms. Smiley, the town voted unanimously to appropriate $106,000 from the Renewable Energy Enterprise Fund to finance the operation of the Landfill Solar Array, as detailed in
208 the warrant, for FY 2013. The operating expenses for the Renewable Energy Enterprise Fund are entirely funded by solar array revenue.
Article 2 – On a motion by Mr. Starr and a second by Ms. Syria, the town voted unanimously to appropriate $105,000 from the Renewable Energy Enterprise Fund to finance the operation of the Landfill Solar Array, as detailed in the warrant, for FY 2014.
Article 3 – On a motion by Ms. Smiley and a second by Ms. Syria, the town voted unanimously to adopt the FY 2015 Operating budget as filed with the Town Clerk and distributed with the warrant, by raising $15,765,860 by taxation, $2,304,939 with Local Aid/State Receipts, $122,049 Offset from the Water Enterprise Fund, and $73,771 from the Fund Balance Reserved for School Debt.
Article 4 – Article 4 was moved by Ms. Syria and seconded by Ms. Smiley. Fire Chief Mike Hanson explained that the $50,000 Capital Expenditure for the lease down payment on a fire truck would be followed by $40,000 per year for ten years, and then the town would own the fire truck. This truck replaces a 1986 truck with a rotting 1976 pump on it. Michael Lukaszevicz moved to divide the question, so that the Thayer Field capital request (Item B) could be voted on separately from the two public safety items (A, the fire truck, and C, a new police vehicle). The motion passed by a vote of 68 to 49; Items A and C of the article passed unanimously. Item B, which was $40,000 to match a grant to develop a master plan for the use of Thayer Field, was then voted separately and also passed by a Moderator-declared two-thirds majority.
Article 19 – Article 19, a Citizens Petition to appropriate $415,000 from Free Cash to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust was discussed next. The article was moved by Mr. Starr and seconded by Jennifer Leone. David Dunn, the author of the article, explained that the money comes from the sale of the lease of the two cell towers in town. Mr. Starr explained that the town’s OPEB liability is $3.6 million because the town has done nothing to fund it to date. The Town’s bond rating would improve if OPEB was funded. Mr. Dunn added that money invested returns interest to the Town; he said last year the return was 14%. Jay Riley said the FinCom had tried unsuccessfully to get this item on past Town Meeting warrants and was in favor of the article. Jennifer Leone mentioned that the state would mandate funding OPEB in the near future. The Citizens Petition article passed with only one negative vote.
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Article 5 – On a motion by Mr. Starr and a second by Ms. Syria, the town voted unanimously to approve the Fiscal Year 2015 Water Department budget as printed in the Warrant. Mr. Pacheco explained that this budget was level-funded from the previous year.
Article 6 – On a motion by Ms. Smiley and a second by Ms. Syria, the town voted unanimously to approve the Fiscal Year 2015 Water Capital expenditures as printed in the Warrant.
Article 7 – On a motion by Ms. Syria and a second by Ms. Smiley, the town voted unanimously to appropriate $20,000 from the Fiscal Year 2015 Overlay Account for Abatements to fund the Senior Tax Work-off Abatement Program.
Article 8 – On a motion by Mr. Starr and a second by Ms. Syria, the town voted unanimously, by a moderator-declared 2/3 majority vote, to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the parcel of land located at 800 Main Street, defined as Map 34 Parcel 14 on the Lancaster Assessor’s Map, to the Board of Selectmen for general municipal purposes and the purpose of conveyance, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey the property in accordance with Massachusetts general Law Chapter 30B. This property is the site of the old ambulance building, which the town intends to sell.
Article 9 – On a motion by Ms. Smiley and a second by Ms. Syria, the town voted unanimously to approve the Fiscal Year 2015 revolving funds as printed in the warrant. Mr. Starr moved to replace the Community Center “Board of Directors” with “Board of Selectmen” since the Community Center Board of Directors was defunct. The amendment passed unanimously.
Article 10 – On a motion by Ms. Syria and a second by Ms. Smiley, the town voted unanimously to authorize the Town to accept any public funds and authorize the Treasurer/Collector to borrow in anticipation of those funds if needed.
Article 11 – On a motion by Mr. Starr and a second by Lancaster Land Trust President Bob Lidstone, the town voted unanimously to appropriate $60,000 from free cash to purchase a conservation restriction on a 17.85 acre tract of land as
210 outlined in the warrant, provided that no expenditure be made unless the Lancaster Land Trust receives a Conservation Partnership Grant as specified in the warrant. Mr. Lidstone explained that the state will pay for half of local land purchased by a non-profit (which the Land Trust is) if the land was protected. Ken Rapoza, Chair of the Conservation Commission, stated that the Conservation Commission and the Town Forest Committee will be holding hearings over the next few months to find ways to protect land in perpetuity.
Article 12 – On a motion by Ms. Smiley and a second by Ms. Syria, the town voted unanimously to establish a Conservation Fund authorized under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 8C, with the Conservation Commission to have the sole authorization to make expenditures from the Fund for any purpose authorized by G.L. Ch. 40 §8C. Mr. Rapoza explained that this is the mechanism to receive funds from contractors and companies who are required to provide mitigation money in exchange for permits.
Article 13 – On a motion by Ms. Syria and a second by Mr. Starr, the town voted unanimously and by a moderator-declared 2/3 majority vote, to transfer the care, custody and control of Map 28 Parcel 13, Map 29 Parcel 15 and Map 29 Parcel 16 to the Lancaster Conservation Commission, provided that such parcels be managed by the Town Forest Committee in conjunction with the Town’s Forest Management Plan and under the direction of the Conservation Commission. Mr. Rapoza explained that the town already owns this land; it is being conveyed to the Conservation Commission so that is protected in perpetuity.
Article 14 – On a motion by Mr. Star and a second by Ms. Smiley, the town voted unanimously and by a moderator-declared 2/3 majority vote, to amend the Zoning Bylaw and Official Zoning Map as outlined in the warrant. Planning Board Chair Jeanne Rich read the Planning Board report on this article, and Planning Director Noreen Piazza presented a slide show depicting the areas affected by the zoning classification change.
Article 15 – On a motion by Ms. Smiley and a second by Jeanne Rich, the town voted unanimously and by a moderator-declared 2/3 majority vote, to amend the Use Regulation Schedule of the Lancaster Zoning By-Law as printed in the Warrant. Again, Planning Board Chair Jeanne Rich read the Planning Board’s report on this article.
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Article 16 – On a motion by Ms. Syria and a second by Ms. Rich, the town voted unanimously and by a moderator-declared 2/3 majority vote, to amend the “Lancaster, MA: Official Zoning Map” and Section 220-5 of the Zoning Bylaw as printed in the Warrant. Ms. Rich read the Planning Board report recommending passage of this article.
Article 17 – On a motion by Mr. Starr and a second by Ms. Rich, the town voted unanimously and by a moderator-declared 2/3 majority vote, to amend the Lancaster Zoning Bylaw to create a Medical Marijuana Overlay District in the existing Light Industry 2 (LI2) district. Ms. Rich read the Planning Board’s report, and Ms. Piazza presented a slide show depicting the area under discussion. Jeanne Rich moved to amend Section 22-8.4 (E) of the Use Regulation Schedule to replace the hash mark with PB, to signify that Planning Board approval would be required to put a Registered Marijuana Dispensary in the LI2 zoning district. The motion was seconded by resident John McGarity and passed unanimously
Article 18 – On a motion by Ms. Smiley and a second by Ms. Syria, the town voted unanimously to accept amendments to Section VII of the existing “Agreement with Respect to the Establishment of a Technical and Vocational Regional School District” for the Minuteman Regional Vocational School District, as on file with the Town Clerk. MRVSD Superintendent Ed Bouquillon summarized the proposed amendments, which included changing each town’s assessment to be based on a rolling 4-year enrollment average; changing conditions and procedures for withdrawing from the district; introducing weighted school committee member voting, and others. Resident Pete Farmer, who was once on the MRVSD school committee and has a son who recently graduated from MRVSD, said these amendments were good for Lancaster. He explained that the one thing that kept more parents from enrolling their children in MRVSD was the fact that they would have to be on a bus for three hours a day. Mr. Farmer praised the school, but stated that there are three other good vocational schools closer to Lancaster.
At the end of the meeting resident Eugene Christoph, who had recently presented a lecture on Lancaster’s noted native son Luther Burbank, reported that one of his students was looking into having Luther Burbank’s birthday be declared a holiday in Massachusetts. Voters at Town Meeting agreed with this pursuit.
Moderator Spanagel urged residents to vote in the May 12 annual town election and, there being no further business, adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
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ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION RESULTS, MAY 12, 2014
The polls were declared open at 7:00 a.m. by Warden Rita Ford. Serving at the polls were tellers Leslie Montague, Lorry Doucet, Joan Mitchell, Marilyn Chambers, Elrid Dubie, Hank Paszko, George Davis, Frank Mitchell, Carolyn Stump, Betty Millet, Kathleen Pierce, and Claire Griffiths. Barbara Bartlett and Ann Mazzola served as Precinct Clerks; Ballots were counted by Deputy Warden Jeanne Rich and Deputy Clerks Susan Polansky and Elizabeth Rutledge.
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION May 12, 2014 MODERATOR Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL DAVID I. SPANAGEL 167 127 294
All Others 2 4 6 Blanks 18 21 39 TOTAL 187 152 339 SELECTMAN (THREE YEARS) Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL STANLEY B. STARR, JR. 164 139 303
All Others 9 3 12 Blanks 14 10 24 TOTAL 187 152 339 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL DOUGLAS A. DECESARE 154 116 270
All Others 6 2 8 Blanks 27 34 61 TOTAL 187 152 339 BOARD OF HEALTH Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL DAVID DUNN 159 134 293
All Others 5 0 5 Blanks 23 18 41 TOTAL 187 152 339
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ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION May 12, 2014 LIBRARY TRUSTEE -- VOTE FOR TWO Pct 1 - Pct 2 - TOTAL Total Total FRANK T. MACGRORY 156 133 289
EMILY J. ROSE 156 127 283 All Others 1 0 1 Blanks 61 44 105 TOTAL 374 304 678 PLANNING BOARD Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL Write-In -- FRANK SULLIVAN 13 12 25
All Others 7 10 17 Blanks 167 130 297 TOTAL 187 152 339
FINANCE COMMITTEE 3 YRS -- VOTE FOR ONE Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL Write-In -- D. SUSAN THOMPSON 99 82 181
All Others 4 3 7 Blanks 84 67 151 TOTAL 187 152 339
FINANCE COMMITTEE 2 YRS-- VOTE FOR TWO Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL MATTHEW W. CARPENTER 136 107 243
DAVID M. DITULLIO 130 102 232 All Others 10 14 24 Blanks 98 81 179 TOTAL 374 304 678
HOUSING AUTHORITY Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL FRANK T. MACGRORY 153 133 286
All Others 1 0 1 Blanks 33 19 52 TOTAL 187 152 339
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ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION May 12, 2014 NRSD COMMITTEE Pct 1 - Pct 2 - GRAND Total Total TOTAL JULIE E. FAY 154 124 278
All Others 1 1 2 Blanks 32 27 59 TOTAL 187 152 339
STATE PRIMARY RESULTS, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
The polls were declared open at 7:00 a.m. by Warden Rita Ford. Serving at the polls were tellers Lorry Doucet, Joan Mitchell, Frank MacGrory, Marilyn Chambers, Elrid Dubie, Hank Paszko, George Davis, Frank Mitchell, Carolyn Stump, Betty Millet, Kathleen Pierce, and Rose MacDonald. Barbara Bartlett, Dianne Reardon, and Ann Mazzola served as Precinct Clerks; Ballots were counted by Deputy Warden Jeanne Rich and Deputy Clerks Susan Polansky and Elizabeth Rutledge
STATE PRIMARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 DEMOCRATIC PARTY Pct 1 Auxiliary Pct 1 Pct 2 Auxiliary Pct 2 Total Tape Tape SENATOR IN CONGRESS EDWARD J. MARKEY 175 175 197 197 372 Write In 5 5 3 3 8 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 67 67 62 62 129 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 GOVERNOR DONALD M. BERWICK 55 55 52 52 107 MARTHA COAKLEY 99 99 130 130 229 STEVEN GROSSMAN 90 90 79 79 169 Write In 0 0 0 0 0 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 3 3 1 1 4 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LELAND CHEUNG 24 24 21 21 45
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STATE PRIMARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 DEMOCRATIC PARTY Pct 1 Pct 2 Tape Auxiliary Pct 1 Tape Auxiliary Pct 2 Total STEPHEN J. KERRIGAN 196 196 222 222 418 MICHAEL E. LAKE 10 10 7 7 17 Write In 0 0 0 0 0 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 17 17 12 12 29 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY 152 152 181 181 333 WARREN E. TOLMAN 87 87 72 72 159 Write In 0 0 1 1 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 8 8 8 8 16 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 SECRETARY OF STATE WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN 193 193 208 208 401 Write In 0 0 0 0 0 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 54 54 54 54 108 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 TREASURER THOMAS P. CONROY 61 61 61 61 122 BARRY R. FINEGOLD 61 61 86 86 147 DEBORAH B. GOLDBERG 84 84 86 86 170 Write In 0 0 1 1 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 41 41 28 28 69 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 AUDITOR SUZANNE M. BUMP 162 162 180 180 342 Write In 1 1 0 0 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 84 84 82 82 166 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509
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STATE PRIMARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 DEMOCRATIC PARTY Pct 1 Pct 2 Tape Auxiliary Pct 1 Tape Auxiliary Pct 2 Total REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS NICOLA S. TSONGAS 193 193 212 212 405 Write In 0 0 1 1 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 54 54 49 49 103 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 COUNCILLOR Write In 3 3 0 0 3 Write In 0 0 0 0 0 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 244 244 262 262 506 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT Write In -- JENNIFER L. 82 82 48 48 130 FLANAGAN Write In 2 1 1 1 2 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 163 164 213 213 377 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT HAROLD P. NAUGHTON, JR. 182 182 202 202 384 Write In 1 1 3 3 4 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 64 64 57 57 121 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOSEPH D. EARLY, JR. 174 174 205 205 379 Write In 0 0 0 0 0 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 73 73 57 57 130 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509
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STATE PRIMARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 DEMOCRATIC PARTY Pct 1 Pct 2 Tape Auxiliary Pct 1 Tape Auxiliary Pct 2 Total REGISTER OF PROBATE STEPHEN G. ABRAHAM 162 162 179 179 341 Write In 0 0 0 0 0 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 85 85 83 83 168 TOTAL VOTES CAST 247 0 247 262 0 262 509 TOTAL DEMOCRAT VOTES CAST 247 262 509
STATE PRIMARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 REPUBLICAN PARTY
Pct 1 Pct 2 Tape Auxiliary Pct 1 Tape Auxiliary Pct 2 Total SENATOR IN CONGRESS BRIAN J. HERR 104 104 86 86 190 Write In 2 2 2 2 4 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 29 29 31 31 60 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 GOVERNOR CHARLES D. BAKER 80 80 72 72 152 MARK R. FISHER 52 52 47 47 99 Write In 1 1 0 0 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 2 2 0 0 2 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR KARYN E. POLITO 105 105 99 99 204 Write In 2 2 1 1 3 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 28 28 19 19 47 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254
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STATE PRIMARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 REPUBLICAN PARTY
Pct 1 Pct 2 Tape Auxiliary Pct 1 Tape Auxiliary Pct 2 Total ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN B. MILLER 97 97 93 93 190 Write In 2 2 0 0 2 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 36 36 26 26 62 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 SECRETARY OF STATE DAVID D’ARCANGELO 98 98 91 91 189 Write In 1 1 0 0 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 36 36 28 28 64 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 TREASURER MICHAEL JAMES HEFFERNAN 97 97 93 93 190 Write In 1 1 0 0 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 37 37 26 26 63 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 AUDITOR PATRICIA S. SAINT AUBIN 97 97 91 91 188 Write In 1 1 0 0 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 37 37 28 28 65 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ROSEANN L EHRHARD 95 95 89 89 184 WOFFORD Write In 3 3 0 0 3 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 37 37 30 30 67 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254
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STATE PRIMARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 REPUBLICAN PARTY
Pct 1 Pct 2 Tape Auxiliary Pct 1 Tape Auxiliary Pct 2 Total COUNCILLOR JENNIE L. CAISSIE 93 93 89 89 182 Write In 2 2 0 0 2 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 40 40 30 30 70 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT Write In -- RICHARD M. 13 13 10 10 23 BASTIEN Write In 6 6 0 0 6 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 116 116 109 109 225 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT BRAD P. WYATT 110 110 88 88 198 Write In 1 1 0 0 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 24 24 31 31 55 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 DISTRICT ATTORNEY Write In 11 11 11 11 22 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 124 124 108 108 232 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 REGISTER OF PROBATE STEPHANIE K. FATTMAN 95 95 87 87 182 Write In 1 1 0 0 1 All Others 0 0 0 0 0 Blanks 39 39 32 32 71 TOTAL VOTES CAST 135 0 135 119 0 119 254 TOTAL REPUBLICAN VOTES CAST 135 119 254
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT, OCTOBER 6, 2014
WARRANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING October 6, 2014 THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester, ss.
To any Constable of the Town of Lancaster in the County of Worcester,
GREETINGS: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster qualified to vote in the elections and Town affairs, to meet at Mary Rowlandson Elementary School Auditorium, 103 Hollywood Drive, in said Lancaster on Monday, the sixth day of October, 2014 at 7:00 o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following Articles:
ARTICLE 1 Finance Committee Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to reduce the amount of the Fiscal Year 2015 Operating Budget as approved by the vote taken under Article 3 of the May 5, 2014 Annual Town Meeting from $17,980,668 (Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Dollars) to $17,895,757 (Seventeen Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Seven Hundred Fifty Seven Dollars), or act in any manner relating thereto. The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article.
MOTION: Move to reduce the amount of the Fiscal Year 2015 Operating Budget as approved by the vote taken under Article 3 of the May 5, 2014 Annual Town Meeting from $17,980,668 (Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Dollars) to $17,895,757 (Seventeen Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Seven Hundred Fifty Seven Dollars), as specified in the budget handout provided to Town Meeting.
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ARTICLE 2 Finance Committee Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the following sums of money, to be expended by the respective Departments or Officers indicated, for the capital projects and purchases itemized and described; or act in any manner relating thereto. a. Fire/EMS Ambulance
Amount: $200,000 Funds to be expended by: Fire/EMS Department Purpose: $138,400 from ZBA Mitigation Funding Source: $61,600 Raise & Appropriate b. DPW Truck
Amount: $24,000 Funds to be expended by: DPW Purpose: Truck for DPW Superintendent Funding Source: $20,869.79 Cemetery Sewer Capital $3,130.21 Cemetery Furnace Capital c. Police
Amount: $35,000 Funds to be expended by: Police Purpose: Cruiser Funding Source: $16,108 Sale of Town Owned Land $18,898.92 Raise & Appropriate
The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article.
MOTION: Move to approve the Fiscal Year 2015 Capital expenditures as printed in the Warrant. (Majority vote required)
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ARTICLE 3 Finance Committee Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to transfer $271,000 (Two Hundred Seventy One Thousand Dollars) from the Stabilization Fund to pay for costs and expenses incurred as a result of the October 31, 2011 storm, or act in any manner relating thereto. The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article.
MOTION: Move that the Town transfer $271,000 (Two Hundred Seventy One Thousand Dollars) from the Stabilization Fund to pay for costs and expenses incurred as a result of the October 31, 2011 storm. (2/3 vote required)
ARTICLE 4 Board of Selectmen
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the care, custody and control of the following two parcels of land from the Board of Selectmen, as currently held for general municipal purposes, to the Conservation Commission for conservation purposes pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8 (C); or to take any other action relative thereto:
Assessors’ Map/Parcel Street Address Size (Ac) Deed Book/Page
24/82 North Main Street 12.60+ 03893/323
24/90A North Main Street 25.00+ 50601/85*
*Certificate Document 11TL-141907.
MOTION: Move that the Town transfer from the Board of Selectmen, as currently held for general municipal purposes, to the Conservation Commission for conservation purposes pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8 (C) the following parcels of land:
Assessors’ Map/Parcel Street Address Size (Ac) Deed Book/Page
24/82 North Main Street 12.60+ 03893/323 24/90A North Main Street 25.00+ 50601/85 (2/3 Vote Required)
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And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting up attested copies thereof at the South Lancaster Post Office, the Center Post Office, the Fifth Meeting House and the Town Hall, in said Town fourteen days at least before the time for holding said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of the Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
SELECTMEN OF LANCASTER
______Jean M. Syria, Chairman
______Susan E. Smiley, Vice-Chairman/Clerk
______Stanley B. Starr, Jr., Member Date of Execution
CONSTABLE'S CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that I posted an attested a copy of this Warrant at the South Lancaster Post Office, the Center Post Office, the Fifth Meeting House, and the Town Hall on the date attested. I further certify that this Warrant was posted in accordance with the By-
Attest: ______Constable
Date: ______
The full text of the Warrant is available in the Town Hall and Thayer Memorial Library. The Warrant will also be available at Town Meeting.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, OCTOBER 6, 2014 – ABBREVIATED NOTES
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING LANCASTER MASSACHUSETTS Mary Rowlandson Elementary School October 6, 2014
The Special Town Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Moderator David I. Spanagel. A total of 78 registered voters and 11 non-voting guests were signed in by Registrars John Ranieri, Mary Perreira and Elizabeth Cahill. Moderator Spanagel introduced the Town Officials on the stage: Temporary Town Clerk Barbara Bartlett, Finance Director Cheryl Gariepy, Town Administrator Ryan McNutt, Board of Selectmen (BOS) Members Susan E. Smiley, Jean M. Syria, and Stanley B. Starr, Jr.; Finance Committee (FinCom) Members James E. “Jay” Riley, Jr., D. Susan Thompson, Michelle Vasquez, and Matthew Carpenter.
After leading the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Moderator Spanagel asked for a moment of silence in honor of several local residents who has passed away since the Annual Town Meeting in May:
Arthur A. Joseph January 11, 1926 – May 24, 2014 Kenneth S. Garber May 18, 1925 – July 2, 2014 Jack R. Pirozzolo June 19, 1940 – August 20, 2014 Judith A. Prentiss March 30, 1939 – September 1, 2014
Chair of the Board of Selectmen, Jean Syria, read a statement thanking the voters for attending, formally welcoming new Town Administrator Ryan McNutt, and thanking SLCTV cable for recording the meeting. Ms. Syria also reminded voters of the upcoming State Election and Recall Election on November 4th. After summarizing the articles on the warrant, Ms. Syria asked for a round of applause for Police Chief Kevin Lamb, who will be retiring after 40 years of service, and for Acting Town Clerk Barbara Bartlett who has taken a position in another town.
The procedures of Town Meeting were explained, and Moderator Spanagel invited debate and remarks from residents, reminded them that they will be recorded, and requested that remarks be kept to around two minutes.
Article 1 – On a motion by Susan Smiley and a second by Jean Syria, the Town voted unanimously, 62-0 (majority vote required) to reduce the amount of the Fiscal Year 2015 Operating Budget as approved by the vote taken under Article 3
225 of the May 5, 2014 Annual Town Meeting from $17,980,668 (Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Dollars) to $17,895,757 (Seventeen Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Seven Hundred Fifty Seven Dollars), as specified in the budget handout provided to Town Meeting.
Article 2 – On a motion by Stanley Starr and seconded by Jennifer Leone, the Town voted unanimously (majority vote required) to approve the Fiscal Year 2015 Capital expenditures as printed in the Warrant.
Sarah Spencer, 674 Main Street, asked a question regarding the amounts listed as “raise and appropriate” and whether they were included on the spreadsheet handout which was provided for Article 1. Jay Riley, Finance Committee, answered that yes, those numbers are accounted for on the budget spreadsheet.
Article 3 – On a motion by Jean Syria and seconded by Stanley Starr, the Town voted unanimously (2/3 vote required) to transfer $271,000 (Two Hundred Seventy One Thousand Dollars) from the Stabilization Fund to pay for costs and expenses incurred as a result of the October 31, 2011 storm.
Article 4 – On a motion by Susan Smiley and seconded by Jean Syria, the Town voted unanimously (2/3 vote required) to transfer from the Board of Selectmen, as currently held for general municipal purposes, to the Conservation Commission for conservation purposes pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8 (C) the following parcels of land:
Assessors’ Map/Parcel Street Address Size (Ac) Deed Book/Page
24/82 North Main Street 12.60+ 03893/323 24/90A North Main Street 25.00+ 50601/85
Cara Sanford, 350 Bull Hill Rd, described the land itself and stated that she believes that Lancaster seems to becoming less rural, and the land should be protected.
Kenneth Rapoza, 294 Brockelman Rd, explained that the land was part of a tax- taking and was then offered to Boards and Committees, like the Conservation Commission. He stated that he believes the land should be protected and explained that if it goes to the Conservation Commission, it will be protected in perpetuity, the only exception being legislation to the contrary.
There being no further business, Moderator Spanagel thanked the audience for their participation and accepted a motion and a second to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
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SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION RESULTS, NOVEMBER 4, 2014
The polls were declared open at 7:00 a.m. by Warden Rita Ford. Along with Rita, Amanda Cannon and Don Adams served as Deputy Wardens. Serving at the polls were tellers Joan Brennan, Marcia Firth, Frank MacGrory, Elfie Dubie, Judith Juliani, Claire Griffiths, Rose macDonald, Marilyn Chambers, Joan Mitchell, Frank Mitchell, Elizabeth Millett, Harry Richter, Jennifer Lapon, Kathleen Pierce, Joy Peach, Maribeth Eugene, Carol Barnes, Karen Davis, George Davis, Roberta Winsor, Evelyn Brown, Susan Polansky. Mary de Alderete, Dianne Reardon, and Ann Mazzola served as Precinct Clerks; Ballots were counted by Deputy Warden Jeanne Rich and Deputy Clerks Ann Mazzola and Benjamin Cahill.
PCT 1 PCT 2 TOTAL % SHALL JEAN M. SYRIA, SELECTMEN, BE RECALLED? BLANK 102 83 185 6.85% YES 850 972 1822 67.46% NO 359 335 694 25.69% TOTAL 1311 1390 2701 100.00% 56.41% 56.50% 56.46% SELECTMAN BLANK 98 100 198 7.33% JEAN M. SYRIA 289 274 563 20.84% JENNIFER B. LEONE 919 1009 1928 71.38% WRITE-IN 5 7 12 0.44% TOTAL 1311 1390 2701 100.00% SHALL SUSAN E. SMILEY, SELECTMEN, BE RECALLED? BLANK 120 94 214 7.92% YES 763 924 1687 62.46% NO 428 372 800 29.62% TOTAL 1311 1390 2701 100.00% SELECTMAN BLANK 79 93 172 6.37% SUSAN E. SMILEY 414 351 765 28.32% EUGENE C. CHRISTOPH 805 938 1743 64.53% WRITE-IN 13 8 21 0.78% TOTAL 1311 1390 2701 100.00% 227
STATE ELECTION RESULTS, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 PCT 1 PCT 2 TOTAL SENATOR IN CONGRESS BLANK 39 58 97 3.37% EDWARD J. MARKEY 608 692 1300 45.22% BRIAN J. HERR 737 735 1472 51.20% WRITE-IN 4 2 6 0.21% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% GOVERNOR AND LIETENANT GOVERNOR BLANK 13 22 35 1.22% BAKER AND POLITO 823 834 1657 57.63% COAKELY AND KERRIGAN 484 552 1036 36.03% FALCHUK AND JENNINGS 43 45 88 3.06% LIVELY AND SAUNDERS 18 20 38 1.32% MCCORMICK AND POST 5 11 16 0.56% WRITE-IN 2 3 5 0.17% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% ATTORNEY GENERAL BLANK 51 60 111 3.86% MAURA HEALEY 614 694 1308 45.50% JOHN B. MILLER 722 733 1455 50.61% WRITE-IN 1 0 1 0.03% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% SECRETARY OF STATE BLANK 61 65 126 4.38% WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN 732 821 1553 54.02% DAVID D'ARCANGELO 533 543 1076 37.43% DANIEL L. FACTOR 60 58 118 4.10% WRITE-IN 2 0 2 0.07% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% TREASURER BLANK 79 95 174 6.05% DEBORAH B GOLDBERG 500 587 1087 37.81% MICHAEL JAMES HEFFERNAN 750 745 1495 52.00% IAN T. JACKSON 57 59 116 4.03% WRITE-IN 2 1 3 0.10% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00%
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PCT 1 PCT 2 TOTAL AUDITOR BLANK 113 113 226 7.86% SUZANNE M. BUMP 547 643 1190 41.39% PATRICIA S. SAINT AUBIN 673 661 1334 46.40% MK MERELICE 54 68 122 4.24% WRITE-IN 1 2 3 0.10% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS BLANK 49 65 114 3.97% NICOLA S. TSONGAS 692 769 1461 50.82% ROSEANN L. EHRHARD WOFFORD 643 652 1295 45.04% WRITE-IN 4 1 5 0.17% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% COUNCILLOR BLANK 406 451 857 29.81% JENNIE L. CAISSIE 970 1029 1999 69.53% WRITE-IN 12 7 19 0.66% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT BLANK 58 88 146 5.08% JENNIFER L. FLANAGAN 715 783 1498 52.10% RICHARD M. BASTIEN 612 615 1227 42.68% WRITE-IN 3 1 4 0.14% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT BLANK 41 42 83 2.89% HAROLD P. NAUGHTON, JR. 702 769 1471 51.17% BRAD P. WYATT 642 672 1314 45.70% WRITE-IN 3 4 7 0.24% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% DISTRICT ATTORNEY BLANK 422 435 857 29.81% JOSEPH D. EARLY, JR. 944 1035 1979 68.83% WRITE-IN 22 17 39 1.36%
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PCT 1 PCT 2 TOTAL REGISTER OF PROBATE BLANK 83 84 167 5.81% STEPHEN G.ABRAHAM 497 579 1076 37.43% STEPHANIE K. FATTMAN 806 823 1629 56.66% WRITE-IN 2 1 3 0.10% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% QUESTION 1 - GAS TAX BLANK 47 41 88 3.06% YES 772 902 1674 58.23% NO 569 544 1113 38.71% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% QUESTION 2 - BOTTLE BILL BLANK 28 29 57 1.98% YES 295 292 587 20.42% NO 1065 1166 2231 77.60% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% QUESTION 3 - GAMING BLANK 38 36 74 2.57% YES 551 622 1173 40.80% NO 799 829 1628 56.63% TOTAL 1388 1487 2875 100.00% QUESTION 4 - SICK TIME BLANK 40 46 86 2.99% YES 715 739 1454 50.57% NO 633 702 1335 46.43%
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XIII. FINANCIAL REPORTS
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
YEAR VALUATION TO BE RAISED TAX RATE
2012 $788,609,858.00 $14,147,660.85 17.94 2013 $754,259,180.00 $14,391,265.16 19.08 2014 $787,856,213.00 $14,898,360.98 18.91 2014 $828,513,035.00 $15,542,904.54 18.76
MONEY APPROPRIATED AT TOWN MEETING $20,512,049.08 TAX TITLE $20,000.00 DEBIT & INTEREST CHARGES - CHERRY SHEET OFFSET $14,239.00 OVERLAY DEFICITS - SNOW & ICE DEFICIT - OTHER (Chapter Money Deficit) $65,685.00 STATE & COUNTY ASSESSMENT $122,845.00 CURRENT OVERLAY $193,084.23
GROSS AMOUNT TO BE RAISED $20,927,902.31
MONEY RECEIVED FROM THE $1,049,696.00 STATE/FEDERAL SOURCES LOCAL ESTIMATED $1,696,009.69 RECEIPTS ENTERPRISE FUND $1,489,020.00 FREE CASH $475,000.00 OTHER SOURCE $23,000.00 REVENUE FROM OTHER $652,272.08 SOURCES TOTAL REDUCTIONS $5,384,997.77
VALUE TAX ASSESSED VALUATION (REAL ESTATE) $80,057,307 $15,102,875.08 ASSESSED VALUATION (PERSONAL $23,455,728 $440,029.46 PROPERTY)
SUPPLEMENTAL TAX COMMITTED FISCAL YEAR 2015 $32,216.08
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AMOUNT COMMITTED TO TAX COLLECTOR
REAL PROPERTY $15,502,278.41 PERSONAL PROPERTY $440,410.47
SEWER BETTERMENT LIEN $155,264.56 SEWER BETTERMENT $117,671.70 INTEREST SEWER USAGE LIENS - TOTAL SEWER $272,936.26
WATER LIENS $124,058.42
SEPTIC LOAN PROGRAM PRINCIPAL $1,623.88 INTEREST $783.24 TOTAL SEPTIC LOAN PROGRAM $2,407.12
EXEMPTION GRANTED UNDER CHAPTER 59, SECTION 5, CLAUSE 22,22A,22B,22E, VETERANS - CLAUSE 37, CLAUSE 17D, SURVIVING SPOUSE.
TOTAL AMOUNT FOR FISCAL 2015 $20,737.50
ELDERLY PERSONS OVER 65 YEARS QUALIFIED UNDER CHAPTER 59, SECTION 5, CLAUSE 41C.
TOTAL AMOUNT FOR FISCAL 2015 $31,000.00
ELDERLY WORK PROGRAM FISCAL 2014 $16,246.00
EXCISE TAX COMMITMENTS MADE IN 2014 TO THE TAX COLLECTOR
2012 $42.50 2013 $7,094.30 2014 $913,816.93 EXCISE TAX ABATMENTS MADE IN 2014
2012 $7.19 2013 $1,400.21 2014 $29,454.58
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Senior Tax Abatement Program- (Elder Volunteer Property Tax Work-Off) Administered by the Council of Aging & Board of Assessors
For anyone not familiar with this program, at a Town Meeting, Lancaster accepted the State statute to grant abatements for real estate tax payers over sixty years old to have their property taxes reduced by volunteering their services to the municipality. A subsequent Town Meeting vote increased this to $1,000.00, the maximum currently allowed by law.
Credit for service cannot be at a rate higher than the State’s minimum wage. This rate is currently $8.00 and hour this translates to 125 hours a year per household. With $20,000 allocated, and at the rate of $1,000.00 per participant, there is placement for twenty (20) individuals
HISTORIC TAX RATES
1995 13.14 2005 14.16 1996 13.10 2006 13.54 1997 13.43 2007 13.77 1998 13.96 2008 13.64 1999 14.38 2009 14.84 2000 15.11 2010 16.07 2001 15.99 2011 17.13 2002 15.07 2012 17.94 2003 15.04 2013 19.08 2004 16.86 2014 18.91
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FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Finance Committee is an independent town board whose members are elected for overlapping three-year terms. The Committee is charged with advising Town Meeting on all matters with a financial impact on the town.
To make informed recommendations, committee members regularly consult other committees and town officials. Members of the Committee become liaisons to departments and will meet with department heads in order to keep abreast of matters with fiscal impact.
An extensive review process and much deliberation preceded the Committee's FYI4 budget recommendations. During this period, the Committee met with the Town Administrator, Finance Director, department heads to discuss the proposed budgets and to gather information necessary to provide the budget recommendation to Annual Town Meeting.
In May 2013, the voters at the Annual Town Meeting unanimously passed a $17,207,566 operating budget for FYI4, an increase of about $765,412 (4.65%) over the prior year, with the Nashoba and Minuteman Schools budget (+$306,660) In the fall, we reduced the operating budget by another $11,075. Free Cash was certified at $578,798 at the end of FY14, at the March 2014 STM, $60,000 was appropriated to the elevator at the Community Center and in May of 2014 a citizens petition funded OPEB $415,000 from Free Cash. The goal is to have between 5% and 10% of available funds in the Stabilization Fund, at the end of FY14 we had $1,446,070 in Stabilization, which is 8.4% of our operating budget. The net effect of these budget elements yielded a tax impact decrease of 0.89% (-.17/$1,000).
Fiscal Year 2014 continued to see economic challenges. Lancaster continues to rely heavily on property taxes and local revenues as we received only a minimal increase (1.35%) in state aid. Lancaster's FYI4 state aid of $1,040,811 is $166,047 less than received in FY09. Despite the lack of state support, Lancaster has been able to improve its financial status thanks in large part to several years of unprecedented new growth ($1,545,221) in the town. In addition, local revenues received from motor vehicle excise, licenses and permits had all increased.
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Lastly, the health insurance premium for enrollees under age 65 decreased by 1.29% as the town’s Insurance Group has increased deductibles and copays. The Medicare rates for retirees aged 65 and older also decreased by 1.29%, resulting in an overall decrease to the health insurance budget. These financial factors enabled Lancaster to maintain its bond rating with Moody’s as an A1 rated community. The town remains in good financial standing heading into Fiscal Year 2015.
Jay Riley – Chair D. Susan Thompson – Vice Chair Michele Vasquez – Clerk Matt Carpenter – Member David DiTullio - Member
FINANCE DIRECTOR AND TOWN ACCOUNTANT REPORT
The Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2014 are herewith submitted.
The data represents a fair and accurate presentation in all material aspects of the Town’s financial position and results of its operations.
The report is based on information recorded using the Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS) of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
An audit of the Town’s financial records by Powers & Sullivan, LLC has been completed for FY14 and the results are available for public inspection in the office of the Town Accountant.
I would like to thank Heidi Lamb for her dedicated service as the Assistant Town Accountant. Additionally, I would like to thank all the boards, commissions, committees and department heads for their cooperation during the year.
Cheryl Gariepy, Finance Dir/Town Accountant Heidi Lamb, Assistant Town Accountant
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TOWN OF LANCASTER – COMBINED BALANCE SHEET – ALL FUND TYPES
Governmental Fund Types Proprietary Proprietary Fiduciary Account Fund Type Fund Type Fund Type Group Chapter 90 & Total Special Capital Water` Solar Trust and General Long (Memorandum General Revenue Projects Enterprise Enterprise Agency Term Debt Only)
Assets
Cash and Cash Investments $3,176,581 $71,075 $433,311 $1,974,576 ($175,213) $2,615,372 $8,095,702
Receivables: Property Taxes 219,797 219,797 Allowance for Abatements and Exemptions (211,240) (211,240) Tax Liens 443,288 8,958 452,246 Excises 109,328 109,328 Departmental 170,860 170,860 Other Tax 13,732 13,732 Water Rates & Charges 116,309 116,309 Fixed Assets 2,814,539 2,814,539 Tax Foreclosure Receivable 235,892 235,892
Amount to be Provided for Payment of Bonds 7,408,391 7,408,391
Total Assets $4,144,506 $71,075 $433,311 $4,928,114 ($175,213) $2,615,372 $7,408,391 $19,425,556
Liabilities and Fund Equity
Liabilities: Warrants Payable $0 Due to Other Funds $0 Withholdings Payable $0 Due to Other Governments $0 Due to Individuals 9,728 $9,728 Performance Bonds Payable $0 Landfill Closure Costs Payable $0 Bond Anticipation Notes Payable $0 Contributed Capital - Fixed Assets 2,814,709 $2,814,709 Bonds Payable 7,408,391 $7,408,391 Deferred Revenue: $0 Property Taxes 8,557 $8,557 Tax Liens 443,288 8,958 $452,246 Water Rates 113,889 $113,889 Foreclosure 235,892 $235,892 Excises 109,328 $109,328 Departmental 170,860 $170,860
Total Liabilities 977,653 0 0 2,937,556 0 0 7,408,391 11,323,600
Fund Equity: Contributed Capital 0 Retained Earnings: Unreserved 0 Fund Balances: 0 Deficit to be raised Chapter 90 (65,685) (65,685) Reserved for Debt 0 Free Cash Voted 475,000 475,000 Reserved for Subsequent Year Exp 19,220 1,034,127 1,053,347 Unreserved: 0 Designated to be Bonded 0 Designated (SBA) 590,167 590,167 Undesignated 2,148,161 71,075 433,311 956,431 (175,213) 2,615,372 6,049,137
Total Fund Equity 3,166,863 71,075 433,311 1,990,558 (175,213) 2,615,372 0 8,101,966
Total Liablities and Fund Equity $4,144,516 $71,075 $433,311 $4,928,114 ($175,213) $2,615,372 $7,408,391 $19,425,566
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TOWN OF LANCASTER FY 2014 BUDGET
ATM STM ACTUAL APPROVED Finance Cmte Finance Cmte Fiscal2014 Fiscal2014 Fiscal2014 Tax Levy 15,504,340 15,187,738 15,538,766
State Aid - Net of Assessments 1,021,458 1,040,811 1,043,880
Local Estimated Receipts 1,257,572 1,433,572 1,613,501 17,783,370 17,662,121 18,196,147
Budgeted Budgeted Budgeted
General Government: Salaries & Wages 761,793 777,122 761,026 Expenses 691,065 677,622 661,655 General Government Total 1,452,858 1,454,744 1,422,681
Public Safety: Salaries & Wages 1,218,335 1,242,335 1,222,766 Expenses 408,601 417,606 376,982 Public Safety Total 1,626,936 1,659,941 1,599,748
Education: Minuteman Assessment 648,293 648,295 648,295 Nashoba Regional Assessment 10,352,237 10,236,444 10,236,444 Education Total 11,000,530 10,884,739 10,884,739
Public Works: Salaries & Wages 378,825 382,371 363,006 Expenses 246,450 283,488 261,717 Public Works Total 625,275 665,859 624,723
Health & Human Services: Salaries & Wages 51,501 52,355 49,867 Expenses 69,118 82,591 74,519 Health & Human Services Total 120,619 134,946 124,386
Culture & Recreation: Salaries & Wages 241,715 239,080 239,000 Expenses 85,893 85,893 85,772
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ATM STM ACTUAL APPROVED Culture & Recreation Total 327,608 324,973 324,772
Sub Total - Departmental Totals 15,153,826 15,125,202 14,981,049
Total Salaries & Wages 2,652,169 2,693,263 2,635,665 Total Expenses 12,501,657 12,431,939 12,345,384 Sub Total Salaries & Wages / Expense 15,153,826 15,125,202 14,981,049 Transfer Out 49,221 INSURANCES 1,195,582 1,195,582 1,067,542
DEBT SERVICE 736,650 713,650 712,150
LOCAL AID ASSESSMENTS 121,508 122,608 125,149
TOTAL OPERATING BUDGETS 17,207,566 17,206,263 16,885,890 Added to Budget When Completing Tax Recap Tax Title 20,000.00 20,000.00 0.00 Snow & Ice Deficit 0.00 62,254.00 62,254.00 Library Cherry Sheet Offset 10,555.00 10,555.00 10,555.00 Allowance for Abatemments 591,537.00 244,000.00 244,000.00 Previous Years Personal Property 9,963.00 9,963.00 9,963.00 BUDGET TOTAL 17,839,621 17,553,035 17,212,662
Surplus/(Deficit) (56,251) 109,086 983,485 OTHER FUNDING SOURCES/(USES) Transfer From Free Cash Transfer From Stabilization Transfer From Overlay 100,000 100,000 Transfer From Water 122,049 122,049 122,049 Transfer From FB Rsrvd for Debt 84,310 84,310 84,310 Transfer From Central Fire Capital Mosquito Assessment Not Budgeted Transfer From Closed Capital Transfer TO Other Funds - Capital (49,221) (48,952) Transfer TO Capital Stabilization (150,000) (150,000) (150,000) Transfer TO Capital - Fire Air Packs (170,850) (170,850) Surplus/(Deficit) 108 45,374 920,042
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TOWN OF LANCASTER – OTHER FUNDS, FY 2014
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
Fund Balance for 9,136.93 1,585.37 134.58 7,686.14 GIFTS Historical Gifts - 2008
Fund Balance for Library 5,645.41 20,706.49 26,793.00 11,731.92 GIFTS Gift Fund
Fund Balance Disability 99.72 0.00 0.00 99.72 GIFTS Commission Gifts
Fund Balance Vets 6,026.00 0.00 0.00 6,026.00 GIFTS Memorial Fund
Fund Balance-COA Gifts 1,128.35 0.00 1.00 1,129.35 GIFTS
Fund Balance-Town Forest 920.07 0.00 0.00 920.07 GIFTS Gifts
Fund Balance - 614.75 0.00 45.00 659.75 GIFTS Ambulance Gifts
Fund Balance - Fire Dept 2,940.15 2,257.55 268.00 950.60 GIFTS Gifts
Fund Balance DARE Gifts 863.72 0.00 0.00 863.72 GIFTS
Fund Balance Police Gift 1,556.00 0.00 275.00 1,831.00 GIFTS Fund
Fund Bal - Ann Comaskey 672.88 0.00 0.00 672.88 GIFTS Cons. Fund
Fund Balance - 10.00 0.00 0.00 10.00 GIFTS Farnsworth Memorial Fund
FB Selectmen Cable 1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 GIFTS
Celebrate Lancaster (315.14) 0.00 315.14 0.00 GIFTS Donations
Lancaster Agricultural 1,890.17 718.51 920.00 2,091.66 GIFTS Commission
Blue Heron Pond 113,407.00 0.00 25,000.00 138,407.00 GIFTS Mitigation
Clerk Publication Reprint 2.75 0.00 0.00 2.75 CH 53E1/2
FB Town Clerk 1,190.67 0.00 435.00 1,625.67 CH 53E1/2 Publications
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
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FB Planning Board 39,767.58 22,036.21 22,820.50 40,551.87 CH 53E1/2 Revolving
FB Recycling 28,072.23 8,059.78 6,239.26 26,251.71 CH 53E1/2
FB MART (9,454.97) 58,942.74 63,070.60 (5,327.11) CH 53E1/2
FB Library Revolving 16,884.60 8,197.50 8,256.04 16,884.60 CH 53E1/2
FB Community Center 10,859.02 3,349.25 9,938.92 10,859.02 CH 53E1/3 Revolving
Cruiser Outside Detail 55.00 1,300.00 1,355.00 CH 53E1/4
Stormwater Mgmt 2,200.00 0.00 0.00 2,200.00 CH 53E1/5
FB Community Policing 30,671.61 14,998.29 0.00 15,673.32 STATE PUBLIC SAFETY
FB Cops Mobile 2,308.28 0.00 0.00 2,308.28 STATE Information PUBLIC SAFETY
FB Bullet Proof Vests 3,258.82 0.00 0.00 3,258.82 STATE PUBLIC SAFETY
FBFire Nashua Valley 7,295.44 0.00 0.00 7,295.44 STATE REPC PUBLIC SAFETY
FB Fire Safe Grant 5,152.52 4,834.02 6,904.00 7,222.50 STATE PUBLIC SAFETY
FB RFK Reverse 911 State 4,086.00 5,256.00 12,531.13 11,361.13 STATE Grant PUBLIC SAFETY
Fire DEP 2,711.98 7,121.53 6,406.40 1,996.85 STATE PUBLIC SAFETY
FB Fire DHS Grant 309.30 0.00 0.00 309.30 FEDERAL PUBLIC SAFETY
FB Election Extended (484.30) 942.70 6,510.00 5,083.00 OTHER STATE Polling Hours
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BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
FB Mass Housing 5,700.00 0.00 0.00 5,700.00 OTHER STATE Partnership
Energy Efficiency Block 330.99 0.00 0.00 330.99 OTHER STATE Grant
Septic Project Loan 60,173.57 14,864.7 9,251.68 54,560.51 OTHER STATE Payments 4
FB Route 110 Culvert (37,000.00) 19,364.8 0.00 (56,364.80) OTHER STATE 0
FB Former Lanfill Site 2,100.00 2,100.00 0.00 0.00 OTHER STATE Land Use Study
FB Civil War Burial Lot 1,250.00 1,250.00 0.00 0.00 OTHER STATE
FB Arts Cultural Council 4,382.45 3,230.00 4,253.00 5,405.45 OTHER STATE
Green Communities 30,885.19 86,115.5 42,778.5 (12,451.87) OTHER STATE Grant Fund Balance 6 0
Thayer Field DCR 0.00 40,000.0 40,000.00 OTHER STATE Earmark 0
Recreation Revolving 19,852.52 17,382.3 23,225.7 25,695.86 PARKS & Fund 8 2 RECREATION
FB Cemetery Sale of Lots 11,566.65 400.00 1,950.00 13,116.65 RECEIPTS RESERVED
FB Wetlands Fund 35,338.72 1,884.58 15,039.3 30,027.78 RECEIPTS 6 RESERVED
Sale of Town Owned Land 63,992.68 35,999.8 27,108.2 55,101.08 RECEIPTS 0 0 RESERVED
FB Library State Aid 16,885.58 6,418.03 12,160.6 22,628.19 STATE 4 LIBRARY GRANT
FB October Storm (625,672.73) 0.00 0.00 (625,672.73 MEMA )
FB Homeland Security 3,950.00 0.00 0.00 3,950.00 STATE GRANT
241
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
FB Smart Growth 10,496.84 0.00 10,496.84 0.00 STATE GRANT
Bartlett Pond Dam 0.00 90,279.22 116,000.0 25,720.78 STATE GRANT 0
Fund Balance-Recreation 20.50 0.00 0.00 20.50 OTHER ED. REVOLVING
FB 43D Technical 647.75 0.00 0.00 647.75 OTHER Assistance Grant REVOLVING
Fund Balance for 362.50 0.00 0.00 362.50 OTHER Revolving Fund REVOLVING
Police Drug Enforcement 16,398.15 5,619.87 4,753.50 15,531.78 OTHER Revolving REVOLVING
CDP Ad Revolving 287.67 1,668.99 1,553.24 171.92 OTHER REVOLVING
Sewer Collection 17,031.79 636.94 12,213.62 28,608.47 OTHER REVOLVING
Fund Balance for 698.54 0.00 0.00 698.54 OTHER Revolving Funds - Ins. REVOLVING Recovery
FB Police Firearm Record 19,402.30 11,025.00 14,600.00 22,977.30 OTHER REVOLVING
FB Sewer Betterments 20,927.93 342,351.0 353,959.7 32,536.65 OTHER 0 2 REVOLVING
Bouchard Mitigation 23,309.42 0.00 10,000.00 39,309.42 OTHER REVOLVING
Shirley Solar Facility 0.00 12,300.00 15,000.00 2,700.00 OTHER REVOLVING
FB C.O.A. Accent Grant 1,019.93 0.00 0.00 1,019.93 COA
FB CDBG Block Grant 21,036.78 4,375.50 87.85 16,749.13 CDBG
FB CDBG Construction 61,228.32 61,228.32 0.00 0.00 CDBG Escrow
242
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
Federal Tax 0.00 357,201.8 357,201.8 0.00 AGENCY 9 9
State Tax Withholdings 0.00 146,034.9 146,034.9 0.00 AGENCY 4 4
Medicare Withholdings 0.00 32,085.43 32,085.43 0.00 AGENCY
Deferred Compensation 0.00 50,956.00 50,956.00 0.00 AGENCY WH
County Retirement Tax 4,252.95 201,072.6 217,122.9 20,303.34 AGENCY WH 0 9
OBRA Mandatory 0.00 20,462.93 20,462.93 0.00 AGENCY
Group Health Insurance (6,059.78) 175,061.2 192,422.0 11,301.02 AGENCY WH 0 0
Employee FSA 587.48 27,802.88 27,760.23 544.83 AGENCY
Met Life Insurance WH (16.99) 474.80 483.06 (8.73) AGENCY
Disability Pretax 125 WH 252.18 14,607.42 15,608.39 1,253.15 AGENCY
Life Insurance Pretax 125 (996.39) 6,588.47 6,660.27 (924.59) AGENCY WH
Levy 500.00 24,675.48 24,675.48 500.00 AGENCY
Dental Ins WH 275.05 9,948.20 10,950.15 1,277.00 AGENCY
Police Union Dues 120.00 5,760.00 6,240.00 600.00 AGENCY Withholdings
Dept Public Works Union 68.64 3,020.16 3,260.40 308.88 AGENCY Dues
Fire Union Dues WH 391.00 5,718.00 5,327.00 0.00 AGENCY
Due to Comm of Mass 52.15 52.15 AGENCY Fisheries
Fund Balance for 0.00 421.00 421.00 0.00 AGENCY Ambulance Details
Fund Balance for Police (8,142.28) 244,770.6 238,860.8 (14,052.06 AGENCY Details 0 2 )
Fund Balance for Fire 0.00 4,128.00 4,128.00 0.00 AGENCY Details
243
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
Other Trust Non-Exp 18,017.58 18,017.58 NON- Principal (Selectmen) EXPENDABLE
Other Trust Non-Exp 26,293.30 26,293.30 NON- Interest (Selectmen) EXPENDABLE
Other Trust Non-Exp 262,487.31 262,487.31 NON- Principal (Cemetery) EXPENDABLE
Library Books NonExp 147,822.12 147,822.12 NON- Principal EXPENDABLE
Library - Unrestricted 60,606.72 60,606.72 NON- NonExp Prin. EXPENDABLE
Library - Trustees 21,216.63 21,216.63 NON- NonExp Principal EXPENDABLE
Library - Special Coll 31,492.24 31,492.24 NON- NonExp Prin. EXPENDABLE
Library - Memorial 1,645.33 1,645.33 NON- NonExp Principal EXPENDABLE
John Eliot Thayer Trust 8,730.10 742.36 1,000.00 8,987.74 NON- EXPENDABLE
Other Trust Non-Exp 3,468.96 6,648.90 (3,179.94) NON- Interest (Cemetery) EXPENDABLE
Library - Books NonExp 27,453.02 3,567.33 23,885.69 NON- Interest EXPENDABLE
Library -Unrestricted 10,697.67 1,344.11 9,353.56 NON- NonExp Interest EXPENDABLE
Library - Trustees 2,385.52 458.44 1,927.08 NON- NonExp Interest EXPENDABLE
Library - Special Coll 1,669.79 1,669.79 NON- NonExp Int. EXPENDABLE
Library - Memorial (25.45) 25.67 (51.12) NON- NonExp Interest EXPENDABLE
John Eliot Thayer Trust 24,806.95 24,806.92 NON- EXPENDABLE
Henry Fitzgerard Exp 517.05 517.05 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
244
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
Whitney Lecture Exp 4,711.59 4,711.59 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
Welfare Expendable 12,610.68 12,610.68 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
BillingsWhitney Exp 8,168.23 8,168.23 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
McGurie Gift Expend 1,722.00 1,722.00 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
Cemetery Expendable 35,641.98 6,648.91 42,290.89 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
Cemetery Perpetual Care 74,493.10 100.00 6,100.00 80,493.10 OTHER TRUST ch114 FUND
Library-Books Expend 0.00 1,091.00 3,585.90 2,494.90 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
Lib-Unrestricted Exp 0.00 429.64 1,344.11 914.47 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
Lib-Trustees Exp Interest 39.92 143.29 (103.37) OTHER TRUST FUND
Lib-Special Collection 16.85 309.29 742.36 449.92 OTHER TRUST Exp Int FUND
Lib Memorial Exp 0.00 8.07 25.67 17.60 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
Lib Memorial Exp 0.00 458.44 458.44 OTHER TRUST Interest FUND
Land Purchase Fund 13,597.55 23.59 13,621.14 CONSERVATION Balance
No Lancaster Municipal 3,794.75 3.02 3,797.77 CONSERVATION Water Fund Balance
Chapter 61 61A Land 44,565.13 40.79 44,605.92 CONSERVATION Purchase Fund Balance
Digital Lancaster Tech 634.42 0.63 635.05 CONSERVATION Park Fund Balance
Lancaster Publ. Safety 3,188.74 3.82 3,192.56 CONSERVATION Officers Survivor Benefit
245
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
Local Education Fund 245.58 0.24 245.82 CONSERVATION Balance
Fund Balance Orchard 17,635.20 2,610.00 27,437.17 42,462.37 SELECTMEN Hills Sewer
Fund Balance Winsor 2,940.00 0.00 0.00 2,940.00 CONSERVATION Heights
Fund Balance - Eagle 630.48 166.56 0.00 463.92 CONSERVATION Ridge Escrow
Fund Balance - N 0.00 14,976.77 15,455.00 478.23 CONSERVATION Lancaster LLC
Fund Balance - Blue 3,418.60 5,780.00 5,015.28 2,653.88 CONSERVATION Herron Pond Escrow
Fund Balance - Jones 3,560.00 520.00 0.00 3,040.00 CONSERVATION Crossing Escrow
Fund Balance - White 2,821.52 0.00 0.67 2,822.19 CONSERVATION Oak Estates Escrow
Fund Balance - Fieldcrest 2,681.78 1.37 2,683.15 CONSERVATION Estates Escrow
Fund Balance Devonshire 1,491.13 0.00 155.19 1,646.32 CONSERVATION Estates Escrow
Fund Balance - Sandy 4,105.11 0.00 4.48 4,109.59 CONSERVATION Hollow Escrow
Fund Balance Clear 2,000.00 2,000.00 CONSERVATION Summit Mitigation
Fund Balance F.C. Stars 0.00 499.68 5,000.00 4,500.32 CONSERVATION
Fund Balance Grand 0.00 3,120.00 11,000.00 7,880.00 CONSERVATION Oaks
Fund Balance - ZBA 2,055.06 2,055.06 0.00 CONSERVATION Broadcast Signal Escrow
Fund Balance - ERP 2.06 2.06 CONSERVATION Mountain Laurel
Fund Balance - ERP 0.06 0.06 CONSERVATION Kanis Escrow
Fund Balance - ERP 0.01 0.01 CONSERVATION Central Mass. Escrow
246
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
Fund Balance - Fort Pond 60,153.94 111.10 60,265.04 CONSERVATION LLC
Agway Landscaping Escrow 0.00 6,624.00 6,624.00 CONSERVATION
Lancaster Technology Park (243.01) 243.01 0.00 CONSERVATION Consultant
PB - Devonshire Estates 83,569.00 83,569.00 CONSERVATION Bond
Conservation Greenway 21.82 21.82 CONSERVATION Fund
Conservation Parker Gift 93.09 0.00 0.12 93.21 CONSERVATION Fund
Police Law Enforcement Fund 585.42 0.58 586.00 CONSERVATION
Conservation Shoreline 613.61 613.61 CONSERVATION Renovat
Library Parker Gift Fund 9.23 9.23 CONSERVATION
Fund Blance Elderly-Disable 1,564.33 1.56 1,565.89 CONSERVATION
FB Cemetery Flower Fund 5,596.88 5.59 5,602.47 CONSERVATION
261,331.53
Stabilization Trust Fund 1,443,798.15 2,242.64 1,446,040.79 STABILIZATION Balance
Capital Stabilization Trust 3,348.82 50,370.03 53,718.85 STABILIZATION Fund Balance
Veterans War Memorial 11,411.39 1,956.00 125.00 9,580.39 CAPITAL
BOS Prescott Building (1,337.34) 1,337.34 0.00 CAPITAL
Bartlett Pond Dam 46,185.61 84,205.05 63,728.49 25,709.05 CAPITAL
Office Mold Removal 30,000.00 30,000.00 CAPITAL
Assessor's Encyclical 95,310.29 22,195.25 73,115.04 CAPITAL
Public Building Fiber Optic 995.18 995.18 CAPITAL
247
BEGINNING DEBIT CREDIT ENDING FUND
Repave Town Hall Driveway 20,000.00 20,000.00 CAPITAL
Police Cruisers 4,083.50 4,083.50 CAPITAL
Fire Personal Equipment 949.62 931.14 170,850.00 170,868.48 CAPITAL
Public Safety Communication 4,100.66 5,008.27 931.14 23.53 CAPITAL Base
Replace Gas Tanks (4,576.51) 4,576.51 0.00 CAPITAL
Building/Assessor Vehicle 25,000.00 19,695.25 5,304.75 CAPITAL
MRE/LBM Boiler 13,000.00 3,024.21 9,975.79 CAPITAL
DPW Drainage 35,000.00 35,000.00 CAPITAL
DPW Culvert 21,239.20 21,239.20 CAPITAL
Hot Top Cemetery 50,000.00 50,000.00 CAPITAL
Cemetery Septic 30,000.00 9,130.21 20,869.79 CAPITAL
Cemetery Furnace 6,094.00 6,094.00 CAPITAL
Cemetery Truck 0.00 37,619.47 37,619.47 0.00 CAPITAL
Reconstruction/Rehabilitation 2,500.00 2,500.00 CAPITAL Tennis Courts at Thayer Field
Community Center Chair Lift 142,348.50 280,200.21 160,000.00 22,148.29 CAPITAL
FB Chapter 90 2013 (23,919.40) 10,598.00 27,713.00 (6,804.40) CHAPTER 90
FB Chapter 90 (46,165.24) 0.00 0.00 (46,165.24) CHAPTER 90
FB Chapter 90-291A (6,959.27) 0.00 0.00 (6,959.27) CHAPTER 90
FB Chapter 90 FY2008 (14,266.87) 0.00 0.00 (14,266.87) CHAPTER 90
248
Front and Back Cover Photo: PARE Corporation, Allen R. Orsi, P.E.
From Inside Cover: TOP
Photo Number Name Photo Credit 1 Linnea, Dorothea, Dewey Gardening at Alexandra Turner Community Center 2 Opening the Campus Thayer Field Campus Susan Smiley 3 Festival of Trees Peggy Corbett 4 Bags of Food for Food Drive Peggy Corbett 5 Jess Gavin Sorting Food for Food Drive Peggy Corbett 6 Sitting with Santa Peggy Corbett 7 Election Worker Training Ryan McNutt 8 Bartlett Pond After Renovation Steve Piazza 9 Never Too Old for Santa Peggy Corbett 10 Festival of Trees Peggy Corbett 11 Fire Station Fire Department
249
From Inside Cover: BOTTOM
Photo Number Name Photo Credit 1 Two Ladies of the Evening Lisa D’Ambrosio 2 Stock Photo Stock 3 COD Awareness Day Daryl Blaney 4 Polar Caves Peggy Corbett 5 Taping of Cooking Show Alexandra Turner 6 Stock Photo Stock 7 Police Chief Kevin Lamb Edwin Burgwinkel 8 Retirement Party Edwin Burgwinkel 9 Nashoba Regional Senior Captain Sarah The Item Clopeck 10 Disability Awareness Day Daryl Blaney 11 Girls Field Hockey Team Nashoba Athletics 12 Stock Photo Stock 13 Sitting with Santa Peggy Corbett 14 Thanksgiving Day Classic Football Win Nashoba Athletics
250
TOWN OF LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETTS MUNICIPAL OFFICE DIRECTORY www.ci.lancaster.ma.us
EMERGENCY - AMBULANCE - FIRE - POLICE 911
Title/Department Extensions Email Address Mailing Address
TOWN HALL MAIN PHONE NUMBER 1(978)365-3326 (all addresses are Lancaster MA 01523 unless otherwise noted) AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION ext. 1311 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 AMBULANCE - Accounts and Billing ext. 1201 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 1 ANIMAL DISPOSAL AGENT 978-772-1900 695 Main St, Suite 2 ANIMAL INSPECTOR ext. 1013 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 2 BOARD OF APPEALS ext. 1311 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 BOARD OF ASSESSORS ext. 1000 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 3 BOARD OF HEALTH ext. 1310 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 6 BOARD OF HEALTH – FAX 978-368-8486 BUILDING COMMISSIONER ext. 1309 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 BUILDING COMMISSIONER – FAX 978-368-8486 BUSINESS CERTIFICATES (Town Clerk) ext. 1304 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 2 CABLE TV ADVISORY COMMITTEE ext. 1201 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 1 COMMISSION ON DISABILITY ext. 1201 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 1 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (General Calls) 978-772-1900 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING DIRECTOR ext. 1311 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING – FAX 978-368-8486 CONSERVATION COMMISSION ext. 1311 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 COUNCIL ON AGING - DIRECTOR ext. 1102 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 7 COUNCIL ON AGING - FAX 978-368-9026 CULTURAL COUNCIL ext. 1201 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 1 DOG LICENSES (Town Clerk) ext. 1013 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 2 DOG OFFICER (Via Communications Center) 978-772-1900 1053 Main St EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR ext. 1009 [email protected] 1055 Main St ENERGY COMMISSION ext. 1311 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 FIELD DRIVER 978-772-1900 FINANCE COMMITTEE ext. 1303 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 3 FIRE DEPARTMENT - Fire Chief's Office ext. 1009 [email protected] 1055 Main St FIRE DEPARTMENT - Burning Permits ext. 1009 [email protected] 1053 Main St FIRE DEPARTMENT – FAX 978-368-4006 FOREST WARDEN ext. 1005 [email protected] 1055 Main St LANCASTER COMMUNITY CENTER ext. 1106 [email protected] 39 Harvard Rd PARKING CLERK ext. 1305 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 5 PERSONNEL BOARD ext. 1302 [email protected] 605 Main St, Suite 1 PLANNING BOARD ext. 1311 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 POLICE DEPARTMENT - Chief of Police (Acting) ext. 1005 [email protected] 1053 Main St POLICE DEPARTMENT (Business Calls) ext. 1021 [email protected] 1053 Main St POLICE DEPARTMENT – FAX 978-368-3251 PUBLIC WORKS - CEMETERY DIVISION ext. 9991 392 Mill St Ext PUBLIC WORKS - HIGHWAY DIVISION ext. 9991 [email protected] 392 Mill St Ext PUBLIC WORKS - SUPERINTENDENT ext. 9991 392 Mill St Ext PUBLIC WORKS – WATER DIVISION ext. 9991 [email protected] 392 Mill St Ext PUBLIC WORKS - FAX 978-365-4419 RECYCLING INFORMATION ext. 1304 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 2
251
TOWN OF LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETTS MUNICIPAL OFFICE DIRECTORY www.ci.lancaster.ma.us
EMERGENCY - AMBULANCE - FIRE - POLICE 911
Title/Department Extensions Email Address Mailing Address
TOWN HALL MAIN PHONE NUMBER 1(978)365-3326 (all addresses are Lancaster MA 01523 unless otherwise noted) SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES ext. 1309 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 SELECTMEN'S OFFICE ext. 1201 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 1 SELECTMEN'S OFFICE - FAX. 978-368-8486 SENIOR CENTER ext. 1106 695 Main St, Suite 7 SENIOR CITIZEN TRANSPORTATION (MART Van) ext. 1103 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 7 TAX COLLECTOR ext. 1012 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 5 TAX COLLECTOR - FAX 978-368-9083 THAYER MEMORIAL LIBRARY ext. 9992 [email protected] 717 Main St THAYER MEMORIAL LIBRARY - FAX 978-368-8929 TOWN ACCOUNTANT ext. 9999 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 1 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR ext. 1302 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 1 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR - FAX 978-368-8486 TOWN CLERK ext. 1304 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 2 TOWN CLERK – FAX 978-368-4011 TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE ext. 1311 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 TOWN HALL - FAX . 978-368-8486 TREASURER ext. 1012 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 5 TREASURER - FAX 978-368-9083 VETERANS ROOM AT COMMUNITY CENTER ext. 1010 VETERANS' SERVICES AGENT ext. 1010 [email protected] PO Box 534, VETERANS' SERVICES AGENT – FAX 978-368-9026 31 Main St, Sterling VITAL RECORDS - Births, Marriages, Deaths ext. 1013 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 2 VOTER REGISTRATION & INFORMATION ext. 1013 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 2 ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ext. 1309 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER - FAX
Phone Numbers CABLE TV STATION 978-733-1139 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 1 GAS & PLUMBING INSPECTOR 978-365-5218 695 Main St, Suite 4 695 Main St, Suite 8 (Mail) HISTORICAL COMMISSION ext. 1057 [email protected] 131 Main St (Location) HOUSING AUTHORITY 978-365-3923 [email protected] PO Box 507, S Lancaster 01561 LUTHER BURBANK MIDDLE SCHOOL 978-365-4558 [email protected] 1 Hollywood Dr LUTHER BURBANK MIDDLE SCHOOL - FAX 978-365-6882 MARY ROWLANDSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 978-368-8482 [email protected] 103 Hollywood Dr MARY ROWLANDSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – FAX 978-368-8730 MINUTEMAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL 781-861-6500 [email protected] 758 Marrett Rd, Lexington 02421 NASHOBA ASSOCIATED BOARDS OF HEALTH 978-772-3335 [email protected] 30 Central Ave, Ayer 01432 NASHOBA NURSING SERVICES 978-772-3335 [email protected] 2 Shaker Rd, #D225, Shirley 01464 NASHOBA REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL 978-779-2257 [email protected] 12 Green Rd, Bolton 01740 NRSD ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 978-779-0539 [email protected] 50 Mechanic St, Bolton 01740 NRSD ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES - FAX 978-779-6812 PLUMBING INSPECTOR 978-365-5218 [email protected] PLUMBING INSPECTOR -- Alternate 978-660-0991 RECREATION COMMITTEE 978-365-2148 [email protected] 605 Main St, Suite 1 TOWN BEACH (Summer Only) 978-840-4455 [email protected] Spec Pond, Old Union Tpke WIRE INSPECTOR 978-365-9706 [email protected] 695 Main St, Suite 4 WIRE INSPECTOR - Alternate Inspector 978-422-0400 695 Main St, Suite 4 252
253